New York’s governor orders firing of prison staffers involved in inmate’s fatal beating

NEW YORK– New York’s governor has ordered the firing of more than a dozen prison workers following the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this month.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Saturday that she has directed the commissioner of the state Corrections Department to begin the process of firing 14 employees involved in the fatal attack at the Marcy Correctional Facility.

Robert Brooks died on December 10 after an encounter with officers the day earlier at the Oneida County Jail.

Hochul’s office did not elaborate on the circumstances leading to the death, but said its decision comes after an internal review.

“The vast majority of corrections officers do an extraordinary job under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” the Democrat said in a statement. “But we have zero tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”

The corrections department on Saturday provided a list of 13 employees, including correctional officers, sergeants and a nurse, who have been suspended without pay, as well as another correctional officer who has resigned.

But the agency declined to provide more details about the incident, other than to say Brooks was pronounced dead at a Utica hospital in the early morning hours of Dec. 10.

The 43-year-old had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, according to the department.

State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III also denounced the staffers’ actions, saying the suspensions are “in the best interests of the agency and the communities we serve.”

“There is no place for cruelty in our department and we will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act,” he said in an emailed statement. “These investigations are ongoing and additional suspensions may be imposed.”

The union representing correctional officers did not immediately comment.

Brooks’ family said in a statement released by their attorney that they were “incredibly shocked and saddened” by the death. The Times-Union in Albanywho was the first to report the death.

“We are grateful that Governor Hochul is taking swift action to hold officers accountable, but we cannot understand how this could have happened in the first place,” the family said in its statement, according to the newspaper. “No one should have to lose a family member this way.”

State Attorney General Letitia James said her office is also investigating the use of force by corrections officers that led to deaths.

The Democrat said its staff has obtained video of the incident and will make it public after Brooks’ family views it.

“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers the transparency they deserve,” James said in a statement.

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