New York Governor Orders Firings Over Fatal Prison Beating
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the firing of 14 prison staffers involved in the fatal beating of an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility earlier this month. The incident occurred on December 9, resulting in the death of 43-year-old Robert Brooks, who was serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault.
According to an internal review, the 14 workers, including correctional officers, sergeants, and a nurse, will be terminated. An additional 13 employees have been suspended without pay, and one correctional officer has resigned.
The corrections department declined to provide further details about the incident, but it is known that Brooks was pronounced dead at a hospital in Utica on December 10. The State Department of Corrections Commissioner, Daniel Martuscello III, denounced the staffers’ actions, stating that there is no place for brutality in the department.
The labor union representing correctional officers has not commented on the matter. Brooks’ family expressed shock and sadness over the death, stating that they are grateful for Governor Hochul’s swift action to hold officers accountable, but are also seeking answers about how the incident occurred.
The State Attorney General, Letitia James, is also investigating the use of force by correction officers that led to Brooks’ death. James has obtained video of the incident and plans to release it after Brooks’ family has viewed it. The governor and attorney general both emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the matter.