Son of man who was beaten and died in New York prison sues guards, officials
ROCHESTER, NY– The son of an inmate who died after prolonged abuse by prison guards in New York said in a federal lawsuit Wednesday that his father’s attackers “systematically and casually beat him to death” in a correctional system that tolerates violence.
Robert L. Brooks Sr., 43, died on December 10, one day after the beating at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York State. Body camera footage shows officers repeatedly punching and kicking Brooks, whose hands were handcuffed behind his back. Officers hit him in the chest with a shoe, lifted him by the neck and dropped him, while employees watching the assault seemed indifferent.
His son, Robert L. Brooks Jr., sued the group of more than a dozen guards involved in the attack, as well as the then-head of the state facility and the commissioner of the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
“I want the name Robert L. Brooks to be known forever and not just for his last dying moments,” Brooks Jr. said. at a press conference. He described feeling helpless and devastated while watching the video.
The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, alleges that defendants used excessive force in jail and were indifferent to his serious medical needs. Gross negligence and wrongful death are also alleged.
An email seeking comment was sent to state corrections officials on Wednesday.
New York’s attorney general this month appointed a special prosecutor to investigate Brooks’ death. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick took over the business as special counsel after Attorney General Letitia James recused herself, citing her office’s representation of several officers in separate civil lawsuits.
The results of Brooks’ autopsy have not been made public. But preliminary findings from a medical examination indicate “concerns of asphyxia due to neck compression as a cause of death, as well as death being the result of the actions of another person,” according to court documents.
According to the lawsuit, the assault was the sole cause of Brooks’ death.
The lawsuit notes that a watchdog group reported “rampant staff abuse” at Marcy in 2023 after interviewing people detained there in October 2022. The Correctional Association of New York said they were told of physical attacks in locations without cameras, such as between the gates. , in vans and in showers. A security guard told a newcomer that this was a “hands-on facility, we will take control of you if you don’t like what you’re doing,” the report said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed state officials to do so initiates a procedure to fire employees involved in the attack. Fifteen correctional officers and two nurses were suspended without pay. One officer resigned. Hochul also named a new leader for the prison, 200 miles northwest of New York City.
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Associated Press writer Michael Hill contributed from Altamont, New York.