Jan 1, 2025 Story by: Editor
As the investigation into the death of Robert Brooks, a New York inmate who suffered a brutal beating while handcuffed in a prison infirmary, continued on Tuesday, demonstrations and vigils took place. In response to the shocking incident, officials announced procedural changes at Marcy Correctional Facility, where the violent assault occurred.
Brooks, 43, died on December 10, a day after corrections officers at the central New York prison repeatedly beat him while his hands were restrained behind his back. Although the officers did not activate their body cameras, footage recorded in standby mode captured them punching, kicking, and choking Brooks, even stripping him of his clothing.
The release of this footage last week ignited public outrage, prompting protests outside Governor Kathy Hochul’s Manhattan office and demonstrations in Rochester. Local leaders have since demanded criminal justice reform and the prosecution of the officers involved.
In response, Governor Hochul has ordered a comprehensive investigation, called for the termination of the 14 corrections employees implicated in Brooks’ death, and announced the appointment of new leadership at the facility. “Significant culture change” is her stated goal. State Attorney General Letitia James has launched an investigation into the use of force, while the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice have confirmed they are reviewing the incident.
Details Surrounding Robert Brooks’ Death
Brooks was halfway through a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault when he was transferred on December 9 from Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, New York, to Marcy Correctional Facility, located approximately 53 miles northeast of Syracuse.
Body-camera footage, released last week, shows Brooks handcuffed in a prison infirmary as officers assaulted him, using their fists, a shoe, and excessive force by lifting him by his neck and shoving him against a wall. They also stripped him of his clothing before medical staff entered the room to examine him.
On December 10, Brooks was pronounced dead at Wynn Hospital in Utica. Officials stated that his autopsy results are still pending.
Brooks, originally from Greece in Monroe County, had been incarcerated after stabbing his then-girlfriend multiple times during a physical dispute. He pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and began serving his sentence in 2017.
Governor Hochul Implements Reforms at Marcy Correctional Facility
Governor Hochul has taken swift action in the wake of Brooks’ death. Thirteen corrections staff members have been suspended without pay, and one employee has resigned. Additionally, Hochul has directed the state’s corrections department to immediately implement measures to enhance safety and accountability.
Among the changes, Hochul appointed Bennie Thorpe, Superintendent of Shawangunk Correctional Facility, as the new superintendent of Marcy Correctional Facility. She also ordered the corrections department to hire an independent firm to review systemic practices, patterns, and culture across the state’s correctional facilities.
Further reforms include the expansion of a policy requiring staff to activate body-worn cameras whenever interacting with incarcerated individuals. Additional personnel will be assigned to the department’s special investigation office to ensure timely handling of complaints and accountability for wrongdoing.
“Today, as I stood in the room where Robert Brooks was killed, I was once again heartbroken by this unnecessary loss of life and further sickened to think of the actions of depraved individuals with no regard for human life,” Hochul said in a statement on Monday. “The system failed Mr. Brooks, and I will not be satisfied until there has been significant culture change.” Source: USA Today
