VALDOSTA — The death of a Valdosta State Prison inmate is being investigated as a homicide, according to state corrections officials.

Joshua Roman was pronounced dead at the prison at approximately 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Corrections.

“Agents have reason to believe Roman died as a result of injuries sustained during an altercation involving another inmate,” according to the DOC statement.

Roman was sentenced in 2012 for child molestation in Lumpkin County, according to corrections officials. He had a maximum release date of 2026.

Special agents with the Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards are investigating the incident.

Roman is the fifth inmate to have died at Valdosta State Prison so far this year, according to reports. Five deaths were reported inside of the prison in 2017.