NY Prison Guard Brutality: Inmate Beaten to Death

<img src="https://img.lemde.fr/2024/12/27/0/0/3000/1701/664/0/75/0/128db31_8c07a293ab1b4f28b23fe25bb4ec9f96-0-77379690367e4304b05ddf76651b059b.jpg" alt="Screenshot of the beating">

Bodycam footage shows the brutal beating of a handcuffed, African-American inmate, Robert Brooks, by New York correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. Brooks, 43, died the following day. Thirteen officers and a nurse face termination.

The Attack

The video depicts officers repeatedly punching Brooks in the face and groin while he's restrained on a medical table. One officer even uses a shoe to strike him. His shirt and pants are removed after he's left motionless and bloodied. A preliminary autopsy suggests asphyxia due to neck compression as a possible cause of death.

<img src="https://img.lemde.fr/2024/12/27/0/0/1338/922/664/0/75/0/e89b59e_5607038-01-06.jpg" alt="Another screenshot of the beating">

Official Response

Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed outrage and horror, calling the killing "senseless." Attorney General Letitia James is investigating the use of force, but hasn't stated if charges will be filed. The correctional officers' union condemned the actions, stating it "undermines the integrity of our profession."

Prior Concerns

The Marcy Correctional Facility has a history of reported brutality and racism, according to the Correctional Association of New York. The Legal Aid Society is calling for complete transparency regarding the incident and a full accounting of the tragedy.

Robert Brooks

Brooks had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017 and had only recently been transferred to Marcy.