THE MAN ACCUSED of murdering his former wife near a County Galway IPAS centre has been found dead in his cell in Castlerea Prison this morning. 

Ali Sohrabi, 35, of no fixed abode had been on remand for the murder of Masoumeh Jafri Manojan on dates unknown at Couravoughil, Clifden between 27 and 28 May.

The Iranian national is believed to have stabbed Masoumeh to death near an IPAS centre in Clifden.

The Journal has learned that prison officers found the man dead in his cell this morning. Foul play is not suspected.

Gardaí have been contacted and sources said that they are not looking for anyone else as a suspect. 

Masoumeh had been estranged from Sohrabi at the time of her death. 

Murder victim Masoumeh Jafri Manojan.

The Journal has learned that Sohrabi had a history of violence against the dead woman and there had been a domestic violence order placed on him.

The two had separated after she made the successful application for the order.

Both Sohrabi and Masoumeh had arrived in Ireland from Iran and had sought asylum. They were each staying in emergency accommodation in separate IPAS centres. 

The Irish Prison Service said: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody at Castlerea Prison [on] 25 June 2026.

“All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant. The cause of death is determined by the coroner’s office.”

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: 

“Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances following the death of an inmate (aged in his 30s) this morning, Thursday, 25 June 2026 at Castlerea Prison, Co. Roscommon. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.”