NY Prison Guard Brutality Leads to Inmate’s death: Video Released
The New York Attorney General’s office released shocking bodycam footage Friday depicting the fatal beating of Robert Brooks, 43, at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County. The video shows the horrific assault, leading to the death of Brooks on December 10th, the morning after the incident. Thirteen correction officers and a nurse are facing termination following the release of the disturbing evidence.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed outrage, stating she was “outraged and horrified” by the videos, calling the killing “senseless.” The footage shows Brooks, handcuffed to a medical examination table, repeatedly punched in the face and groin by correction officers. One officer is seen striking Brooks in the stomach with a shoe, while another violently yanks him up by the neck and throws him back onto the table. The officers then remove his shirt and pants as he lies motionless and bloodied.
“These videos are shocking and disturbing and I advise all to take appropriate care before choosing to watch them,” Attorney General Letitia James cautioned. While her office is investigating the use of force, it remains unclear whether any officers will face criminal charges. A preliminary medical examination suggests “concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, and also the death being due to actions of another,” according to court filings. The final autopsy results are pending.
The body cameras lacked audio functionality at the time of the incident. An attorney for Brooks has yet to comment publicly. Brooks had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017 and had only been at Marcy Correctional Facility for a few hours before the attack, having been transferred from another prison.
The Correctional Association of New York, a prison oversight group, previously documented reports of widespread brutality and racism at Marcy Correctional Facility during a visit two years prior. Craig DuMond, president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, expressed shock and disgust at the officers’ actions, stating, “No human being should be treated that way by another human being…And it is made even worse by the fact that the extreme cruelty was inflicted by those entrusted with the power of government, against those they were entrusted to guard and protect.”
This incident raises serious questions about accountability and oversight within the New York prison system and has sparked widespread calls for reform and increased transparency. The investigation is ongoing, and the nation awaits the final autopsy report and the outcome of the criminal investigation.
“Horrific” Bodycam footage Shows Fatal Beating of Inmate at New York Prison
This interview addresses the disturbing incident at Marcy Correctional Facility where Robert Brooks, 43, died after a brutal beating by correction officers. We discuss the released bodycam footage,the ongoing inquiry,and calls for reform within the New York prison system.
The Incident and Video Evidence
Senior Editor: john, thank you for joining us today. The video released by the Attorney General’s office is deeply troubling. Can you describe what we see in the footage?
John Smith, penal Reform Advocate: It’s truly horrific, unimaginable cruelty. We see Robert Brooks, handcuffed to a medical table, being repeatedly punched in the face and groin. One officer strikes him in the stomach with a shoe, another violently yanks him by the neck. They remove his clothing while he’s lying motionless and bloodied.
Senior Editor: What has been the initial reaction from authorities and the public?
John Smith: Governor Hochul expressed outrage, calling the killing senseless. The Attorney General’s office is investigating, and thirteen officers and a nurse are facing termination. Even the New York State Sheriffs’ Association president expressed shock and disgust. The public is rightfully demanding justice for Robert Brooks and systemic change.
The Investigation and Potential Charges
Senior Editor: What are the legal ramifications for the officers involved?
John Smith: While termination is a starting point, the question remains: will any officers face criminal charges? The Attorney General is investigating the use of force, and a preliminary autopsy suggests asphyxiation, possibly due to neck compression, as a cause of death. But the final autopsy results are pending.
Senior Editor: Do you beleive the existing laws surrounding use of force in prisons are sufficient?
John Smith: this incident throws a spotlight on that very issue. Clearly, existing laws didn’t prevent this tragedy. We need to scrutinize these laws and ensure they offer robust protections for incarcerated individuals.
Systemic Issues in New York’s prisons
Senior Editor: This isn’t the first report of brutality at Marcy Correctional Facility. What does this incident say about the larger picture of New York’s prison system?
John Smith: The Correctional Association of New York documented similar reports of brutality and racism at Marcy two years ago. This sadly suggests a pattern of abuse and a failure of oversight within the system.
Senior Editor: What kind of reforms are needed to prevent future tragedies?
John Smith: We need increased openness, independent oversight boards with real power to investigate and discipline, mandatory de-escalation training for correctional officers, and a shift in focus from punishment to rehabilitation.
The well-being and dignity of those incarcerated must be paramount.
