A dozen corrections officers and a nurse are under investigation following a deadly use of force incident at Marcy Correctional Facility.
An inside source told CBS6 the body camera footage could be released as soon as Friday.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has ordered the termination of 14 correctional facility employees following the death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County[1][2]. The incident, which occurred on December 9, 2024, resulted in Brooks’ death on December 10[4].
Details of the Incident
Body-worn camera footage released by the state’s Attorney General Letitia James revealed disturbing details of the assault:
- Brooks, while handcuffed, was repeatedly pummeled by correction officers[2].
- He was struck in the chest with a shoe[2].
- Officers lifted Brooks by the neck and dropped him[2].
The 43-year-old inmate had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017[1].
Governor’s Response
Governor Hochul expressed her outrage and horror at the footage, stating:
“I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility[4].”
The governor has directed:
- An immediate and full investigation into Brooks’ death[4].
- DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals involved in the fatal attack[7].
Employees Facing Termination
The 14 employees facing termination include:
- 13 corrections officers, including two sergeants[3].
- One prison nurse[3][5].
One corrections officer has already resigned[3].
Ongoing Investigations
Multiple investigations are currently underway:
- The New York Attorney General’s office is investigating the use of force that led to Brooks’ death[1].
- The DOCCS Office of Special Investigations is conducting a review[7].
- The State Police are also involved in the investigation[3].
Governor Hochul has emphasized her commitment to holding all involved parties fully accountable for this “senseless killing”[4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-gov-hochul-orders-prison-staffers-involved-inmates-deadly-beating-fired
[2] https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2024-12-27/new-york-correction-officers-pummeled-handcuffed-prisoner-before-death-footage-shows
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/23/nyregion/ny-prison-inmate-killed-hochul.html
[4] https://www.wkbw.com/news/state-news/new-york-correction-officers-pummeled-handcuffed-prisoner-before-death-footage-shows
[5] https://www.fox5ny.com/news/deadly-ny-inmate-attack-caught-camera
[6] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/12/23/robert-brooks-new-york-death/77181402007/
[7] https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-45
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kRrcDC1k0g
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyUMONpNxkk
[10] https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/fatal-use-of-force-at-marcy-correctional-facility
Video: CBS6 Albany . Midtown Tribune News
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