Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the death of 43-year-old Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility has been ruled a homicide. Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, was brutally beaten by corrections officers on December 9, 2024, while his hands were restrained. He was pronounced dead the next day at Wynn Hospital in Utica.
Although officers had not activated their body cameras, footage in standby mode captured them punching, kicking, choking, and stripping Brooks. Hochul described the killing as "horrific, shocking" and demanded accountability. "Those responsible for Mr. Brooks' death must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," she stated. "This reprehensible act of violence demands the full force of our justice system − the family of Mr. Brooks deserves no further delays."
Body camera footage, released by the Attorney General's office on December 27, contradicted initial reports that Brooks had died following a "confrontation" with officers. His family's attorney, Elizabeth Mazur, confirmed, "From the autopsy, I can confirm the report indicates the cause of death is compression of the neck and multiple blunt force injuries." She added, "The autopsy report confirms what was already clear: Robert Brooks's violent death was a homicide. We look forward to the prosecution of those responsible."
The incident has sparked protests, including a rally by the Unified Black Caucus and Live and Direct On the Air (Freedom is a Must) outside Marcy Correctional Facility on January 14, 2025. Demonstrations also took place outside Hochul's Manhattan office and in Rochester, demanding accountability and changes to the criminal justice system.
Following the attack, Hochul ordered a full investigation, dismissed 14 corrections employees, and replaced the prison's superintendent, citing the need for a "significant culture change." Meanwhile, Attorney General Letitia James initiated an investigation but later recused her office due to conflicts of interest. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has since been appointed as special prosecutor.
As of Wednesday, no charges had been filed against the officers involved. The FBI and the Justice Department are also reviewing the case.
Link: USA Today
Comentários