NY Correctional Officers Brutally Beat Handcuffed Inmate

Bodycam footage released by New York Attorney General Letitia James shows the fatal beating of Robert Brooks, 43, at the Marcy Correctional Facility. The video depicts correctional officers punching, kicking, and using a shoe to strike Brooks while he was handcuffed. One officer is shown yanking Brooks by the neck.

The Assault:

The incident occurred on December 9th, 2024, just hours after Brooks' transfer from another prison. Brooks died the following day. The video shows the officers' actions in a medical exam room. Preliminary autopsy findings point towards asphyxia due to neck compression as a possible cause of death. Thirteen correctional officers and a nurse are facing termination.

Reactions & Investigations:

Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed outrage and ordered an investigation. Brooks' family's lawyer, Elizabeth Mazur, described the video as depicting a "fatal, violent beating." The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association condemned the actions, stating they are not representative of the majority of correctional officers. The Correctional Association of New York noted previous reports of brutality at the facility. The Attorney General's office is investigating, but charges haven't been filed yet.

Calls for Accountability:

The Legal Aid Society and the Center for Community Alternatives called for full transparency and accountability, highlighting the systemic issues that may have contributed to this incident. They emphasize that this is not an isolated case and represents a larger problem of violence and abuse of power within the prison system.

Marcy Correctional Facility is located approximately 200 miles northwest of New York City.