New York Governor Fires 14 Prison Staff After Inmate’s Fatal Beating
Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the termination of 14 corrections officers and a nurse at Marcy Correctional Facility following the fatal beating of inmate Robert L. Brooks. The incident, partially captured on video, occurred on December 9th and resulted in Brooks’ death the following day.
Brooks, 43, was serving a 12-year sentence for a 2017 assault conviction. His family, represented by attorney Elizabeth Mazur, has viewed the video footage of the attack and described it as “horrific and violent.”
“Watching the horrific and violent final moments of Robert’s life was devastating for his loved ones, and will be disturbing to anyone who views the video following its release by the attorney general’s office,” Mazur said in a statement.The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed Brooks’ death on december 15th, attributing it to a “use of force” by prison staff.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
“This was an incomprehensible act,” said a statement from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the union representing the accused officers.
Governor Hochul, after an internal review, directed Corrections Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III to initiate termination proceedings against the 14 employees involved.
“We will not rest until we have secured justice for Robert’s memory, and safety for the prisoners at Marcy Correctional Facility,” Mazur added.
The incident remains under investigation by the DOCCS Office of special Investigations, the New York State Attorney General, and the State Police. New York Attorney General Letitia James has pledged to release the video footage to the public after Brooks’ family has had a chance to view it.1bk0″>“The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” she said in a statement. “But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line,break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”
Mr. Martuscello said in a statement that the employees in question, including two sergeants, had been suspended without pay. Firing them, he said, was “in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve.” One corrections officer, Anthony Farina, has already resigned, the department said.
“There is no place for brutality in our department,and we will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act,” the commissioner said.
Unless those accused of being involved in the attack are criminally charged, arbitration and union rules coudl make it difficult to fire them. The union that represents corrections employees said in a statement that it would fulfill its obligation “to represent all of its members,” but it strongly condemned what the 14 are accused of doing.
