The GBI is investigating after a prisoner was stabbed to death Wednesday night at Phillips State Prison in Buford, officials said.

The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. in an open area in the prison, GBI spokesman John Bankhead said. The autopsy will be performed Thursday at the GBI crime lab, he said.

The 27-year-old man's name is being withheld until his family is notified of his death.

Charges are pending against the suspect, whose name has not been released by authorities.

The GBI and the Department of Corrections are continuing to investigate the case.