An inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility died last week following a “use of force” incident involving staff members, officials confirmed.
According to a statement released by Daniel Martuscello III, commissioner of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the incident occurred on Monday. “The inmate was taken to a local hospital, where they died the following day,” Martuscello said.
The department’s Office of Special Investigations is leading an inquiry into the incident, and both the State Police and the Attorney General’s Office have been notified. The Attorney General’s Office is legally mandated to investigate any deaths resulting from actions or inactions of police officers or peace officers, including correctional staff.
The staff members involved have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Martuscello emphasized the department’s commitment to safety within state facilities, stating, “As an agency we take our mandate and obligation to protect our community and all of the individuals in our care extremely seriously. There is no place for, and I will not tolerate, violence in our correctional facilities.”
A DOCCS spokesperson declined to provide additional details about the incident when asked. Marcy Correctional Facility, located in Oneida County, approximately seven miles west of Utica, is a medium-security prison. According to recent records, the facility housed 846 inmates as of December 1.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Link: Syracuse