Jan 4, 2025 Story by: Editor
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed a seasoned district attorney to serve as a special prosecutor in the case of a man who died following a beating by state corrections officers. James cited the need to recuse her office to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who has led prosecutions in the Syracuse area since 1992, will oversee the investigation into the death of Robert Brooks. Brooks, who passed away last month, had been under investigation by James’ office prior to his death.
Typically, the attorney general handles cases involving deaths of individuals in law enforcement custody. However, James explained that four officers involved in the incident are being represented by attorneys from her office in separate litigation, potentially complicating the case.
“Even the possibility or mere appearance of a conflict could tie up a potential prosecution in lengthy legal challenges or get a potential prosecution outright dismissed,” James said in a video statement. “And I will not allow justice to be delayed or denied because of a conflict.”
A request for comment was made to Fitzpatrick’s office.
Recently released body camera footage from the Dec. 9 incident shows officers assaulting Brooks while he was handcuffed on a medical examination table at Marcy Correctional Facility. One officer is seen striking Brooks in the stomach with a shoe, while another lifts him by the neck and drops him back onto the table.
Brooks was pronounced dead the following morning.
The footage has sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, describing the videos as “outrageous and horrifying,” announced the appointment of a new corrections superintendent. She also confirmed that 13 corrections officers and a nurse involved in the attack would face termination.
Hochul expressed confidence that the special prosecutor would act swiftly. “The video of this horrific attack demonstrates that crimes clearly were committed, and I believe initial charges can be brought even as more serious charges are considered based on further investigation,” she said.
While final autopsy results are pending, preliminary findings indicate “concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, as well as the death being due to actions of another,” according to court documents.
Brooks had been serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017. He had only recently been transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility, located 200 miles northwest of New York City, just hours before the fatal encounter, officials said. Source: ABC News
