Female prison officer Mari Johnson found murdered at men's in Texas

A female prison officer was killed by an inmate male inmate at a notorious men's prison in west central Texas early Saturday, authorities said.

Mari Johnson, 55, was found dead at around 3am near the kitchen area of the French M Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas, Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jason Clark said.

Co-workers tried to revive her before she was taken to Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene where she was pronounced dead.

Ms Johnson spent the past seven years working with the prison system in Abilene, Texas.

Prison officials have not released the name of the inmate or circumstances surrounding the killing other than it is being investigated as a homicide.

The Texas Goveor, Greg Abbott described Ms Johnson's death as an "unfathomably tragic event" and vowed to bring the killer to justice.

In a statement released byGoveor Abbott, he said: “The State of Texas mous for Mari Johnson, a correctional officer who was senselessly murdered last night.

“Texas will ensure the perpetrator receives swift justice and TDCJ has been instructed to take all necessary measures to enhance the safety of their staff to prevent such tragedies.”

And Texas Justice chief Brad Livingston paid tribute to Ms Johnson for making "the ultimate sacrifice".

"This is a tragic reminder that carrying out that mission can lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this state safe. She will never be forgotten.

"We will see that the offender who committed this cowardly act is held accountable."

The ultra-secure nick is home to almost 3,000 lags doing time for crimes including aggravated robbery and child abuse.

Ms Johnson is the second prison officer to be killed in Texas in the past year.

Lifer Billy Joel Tracy killed inexperienced guard Timothy Davidson while he was being escorted back to his cell.

The convicted murderer reportedly managed to free himself from his handcuffs before bludgeoning Mr Davidson to death with a metal rod.