Aussie prison death was 'murder'

The grieving family of an Auckland man who died in an Australian prison believe he may have been murdered.

William Shane Gage died in the John Morony Correctional Complex in Windsor, about 50km northwest of Sydney, last weekend.

His father, also William Gage, said the 23-year-old was due to be released within three days.

Gage senior said New South Wales Corrective Services told him his son took his own life.

But Gage senior said there were inconsistencies between how his son died and his physical size.

And he questioned why his son would kill himself so close to his release date.

Corrective Services would not comment on the cause of death to the Herald On Sunday.

A coroner's inquest is expected after an investigation by prison bosses and police.

Gage was serving three and a half years for aggravated robbery with a non-parole period of 18 months.

His funeral will be held in Manurewa tomorrow.