The Mississippi Department of Corrections locked down prisons statewide on Sunday after an inmate was killed. Violence has continued.

5 inmates killed in less than a week

Five inmates have been killed this week in three MDOC facilities.

• Terrandance Dobbins, 40, was killed at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville on Sunday. Two inmates were injured during this incident, according to MDOC.

• Walter Gates, 25, was killed Tuesday and several others were injured during a riot at Parchman.

• An unidentified inmate was killed at Parchman on Thursday.

• Gregory Emary, 26, was killed at Chickasaw County Regional Correctional Facility in Houston on Thursday. Two other inmates were injured.

• Dennoris Howell, 36, was killed at Parchman on Friday.

More:State prisoner in Chickasaw County killed during prison fight, the 3rd this week.

More:Parchman riot: 4th inmate killed as violence escalates in prisons across Mississippi

What does the lockdown mean?

Movements of inmates are limited to only emergencies and weekend visitations are canceled, MDOC said in a news release. Officials are using "all available resources" to address the violence around the state, the statement said.

Lockdowns have been common as a way to address violence and guard shortages.

What is the status of the prison system?

The state has sharply cut spending on prisons over the last few years and guard shortages are ongoing, with low pay and safety concerns factors.

Families and activists, along with documentation, speak to the power of gangs in the prison system, though their roles have been downplayed by prison officials.

The current MDOC commissioner, Pelicia Hall, announced that she will be departing this month. Hall was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant. Gov.-elect Tate Reeves prepares to take office this month.

Contact Harold Gater athgater@gannett.com or 601-961-7368. Follow him onFacebookandTwitter.