Fatal Prison Beating Caught on Video
New York Prison Beating Caught on Video Shows Inmate’s Fatal Assault
Newly released video of a fatal New York prison beating shows correctional officers repeatedly pummeling a handcuffed inmate, striking him in the chest with a shoe, and lifting him by the neck and dropping him.
Body-Worn Camera Footage Released
Body-worn camera footage of the December 9 assault on Robert Brooks was made public on Friday by the state’s attorney general, who is investigating the officers’ use of force.
Brooks’ Death and Investigation
Brooks, 43, was pronounced dead at a hospital the morning after the assault at the Marcy Correctional Facility, a state prison in Oneida County. The final results of Brooks’ autopsy are still pending. Preliminary findings indicate "concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, as well as the death being due to actions of another," according to court filings.
Investigation and Response
Thirteen correctional officers and a nurse implicated in the attack will face termination, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who said she was "outraged and horrified" by the videos of the "senseless killing." New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the use of force that led to Brooks’ death, but did not say whether any of the officers would be charged with crimes.
Union Response
The union for state correctional officers, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, said it was "incomprehensible" and "not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day." The union stated that the incident "endangers our entire membership and undermines the integrity of our profession. We cannot and will not condone this behavior."
Reactions and Calls for Action
A lawyer for Brooks’ family, Elizabeth Mazur, said, "As viewers can see, Mr. Brooks was fatally, violently beaten by a group of officers whose job was to keep him safe. He deserved to live, and everyone else living in Marcy Correctional Facility deserves to know they do not have to live in fear of violence at the hands of prison staff." Tina Luongo, a chief attorney at The Legal Aid Society, called for "complete transparency" on state correctional staff’s use of force and a "full accounting of this tragedy."
Conclusion
The videos of the fatal beating of Robert Brooks are shocking and disturbing, and the incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of force by correctional officers. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and we will continue to follow updates and developments as more information becomes available.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Robert Brooks?
A: Robert Brooks, 43, was a prisoner at the Marcy Correctional Facility who was beaten to death by correctional officers on December 9.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The New York Attorney General’s office is investigating the use of force that led to Brooks’ death, and 13 correctional officers and a nurse implicated in the attack will face termination.
Q: Have any charges been filed?
A: The attorney general has not announced whether any charges will be filed against the officers involved in the attack.
Q: What is the current condition of the Marcy Correctional Facility?
A: The facility has been the site of reports of pervasive brutality and racism, according to The Correctional Association of New York, which conducted a monitoring visit two years ago.
