Offender dies after assault by other prisoner at Central Prison in Raleigh

An offender at Central Prison scheduled for release in 2025 died Thursday night after an apparent assault by another prisoner.

According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (DAC), Dustin Payne, 38, was found collapsed Thursday night in a housing unit common area at Central Prison on Western Boulevard in Raleigh.

Prison staff responded and tried to revive Payne, who was pronounced dead by a physician shortly after 8:30 p.m.

The assault is under investigation by State Capitol Police and the DAC.

According to DAC, Payne was serving multiple sentences for numerous convictions in Buncombe County.