Official reports from New York State Department of Corrections or related news releases

NY Attorney General Releases Footage of Fatal Beating of Inmate Robert Brooks by Correctional Officers at Marcy Facility; 13 Officers Face Termination

Dec 28, 2024, 08:00 PM

New York Attorney General Letitia James has released body camera footage showing the fatal beating of 43-year-old inmate Robert Brooks by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County. The incident, which occurred on December 9, resulted in Brooks being pronounced dead at a hospital the following day. The footage depicts officers repeatedly punching Brooks in the face and groin while he was handcuffed on a medical examination table. One officer used a shoe to strike Brooks in the stomach, and another lifted him by the neck before dropping him back onto the table. Preliminary autopsy findings suggest that Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence, died from asphyxia due to neck compression. Thirteen correctional officers and a nurse involved in the incident are facing termination, as announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who expressed outrage over the 'senseless killing.' The body cameras were not activated by the officers, resulting in the footage being released without audio.