The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating the death of an inmate as a homicide, officials said.

Michael Dawson, a Baldwin State Prison inmate, was pronounced dead about 9:20 a.m. on Christmas Day, the GDOC said in a news release.

Authorities said they have reason to believe Dawson died as the result of injuries he sustained during an altercation with another inmate. The GDOC and GBI are looking into the cause of his death, officials said.

Dawson was sentenced on rape and aggravated assault charges in Polk County in 2001, officials said. He was also sentenced to life in 2008 on a murder charge in Chatham County.

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Channel 2?s Lauren Davis visited the site and spoke with neighbors.