(completed)prison deaths

[Canterburynorth]

Hello all,

Is it possible to find records for deaths in prison?

Joseph Ford born 1886 was sentenced to seven years prison in 1930 (police gazette)
He died 23/12/1935,  his great neice was told, she thinks, he died in prison.
He was sentenced in Wellington, and buried at Palmerston North.
There was no newspaper articles I could find at the library reporting the sentencing, that may because the press were protecting the victim.
Joseph was also arrested  years earlier for arrears of maintainence due for support of his son Frederick C Ford, I can find no trace of Fred on BMD, he was supposed to be 14 in 1923 when he absconded from an industrial school.   Help I am in a pickle.

Ideas gratefully recieved

Regards
Leandra

[aniph]

I'd like to know that too about my "murderer" Sarah Flanagan.

Did she die in jail or die after release.

There must be a Dept of Justice or similar that can answer us.

Annie

[Lucy2]

Is it possible to find records for deaths in prison?

http://www.archives.govt.nz/

Using the search term "Deaths in Prisons", brings up a number of files, covering a range of dates.
This will allow you to view the restrictions placed on these types of records, and give you an insight into the difficulties faced in gaining access to such information.

And I think you'll find that similar restrictions apply to Police Department files on prisoners.

[The files held by Archives, (which come up in this search),  probably exist as a result of an enquiry having been held into an "unnatural or unexplained" death in custody. ]

A death certificate though, will (in most instances) record the actual place of death - be it hospital, prison or whatever - and undoubtedly save you the trouble of seeking out other elusive records.

~   Lu

[Canterburynorth]

Thank you Lu,

Annie I got this from the police this morning re my enquiry

http://www.police.govt.nz/faq/somebody-i-know-was-involved-crimedied-suspicious-circumstanceswent-prison-many-years-ago-how-ca

Leandra

[Canterburynorth]

Hi,

This morning I recieved the prison files for Joe in the mail.

Annie if you want to pursue your Sarahs file try emailing

info@corrections.govt.nz

You need to provide as much info as you can BMD, children etc and your connection to Sarah.
The file I got was enormous! Compelling reading to.

Regards
Leandra

[aniph]

Oh thanks Leandra

I somehow missed your post before with the email addy, oops mean police reply

Thanks I will email them

Annie

[Canterburynorth]

Good luck Annie, I hope her file still exists