In a decisive response to the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the termination of 14 prison staff members involved in the incident. The governor’s announcement, made on December 22, 2024, comes after an internal review of the circumstances surrounding Brooks’ death, which occurred on December 10.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017. He died in the early morning hours of December 10, shortly after an encounter with correctional officers at the facility located in Oneida County. While specific details regarding the circumstances leading to the incident have not been disclosed, Hochul emphasized the importance of accountability and the zero-tolerance policy for violence within the corrections system.
“The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” Governor Hochul stated. “But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”
Actions Taken
The New York State Department of Corrections has identified 13 employees—including correctional officers, sergeants, and a nurse—who have been suspended without pay in connection with the incident. Another correctional officer has resigned. The agency has indicated that further suspensions may be forthcoming as investigations continue.
Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III of the Department of Corrections condemned the staffers’ actions, asserting that such brutality has no place in the department. “We will vigorously pursue justice against the individuals who committed this senseless act,” he stated in an email.
Family and Community Reactions
Brooks’ family expressed their profound shock and grief over his death in a statement released through their lawyer. They voiced their gratitude for the swift action taken by Governor Hochul but also questioned how such a tragedy could occur. “No one should have to lose a family member this way,” they stated.
Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office is investigating the use of force by correction officers that led to Brooks’ death. James confirmed that her team has obtained video footage of the incident and plans to release it publicly after the family has had an opportunity to view it.
“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve,” James remarked.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Robert Brooks has sparked significant scrutiny of the practices within New York’s correctional facilities. With the governor’s order to fire implicated staff and ongoing investigations by both the Attorney General’s office and the Department of Corrections, there is a clear push for accountability and reform within the system. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Brooks and safeguarding the rights and safety of all inmates.
I did 10 years and officials always treated me and others really bad where they put inmates including me to the wall and where was no cameras and used Force where they put their hands like a credit card in our rear private parts and one time I jumped and they punch me and almost broke my front teeth and the nurses always goes in their sides and lie a medical report. Officials need to be accountable to what they did to Mr.Brooks and get charged for murder each of them.
Thanks Governor for not being bias and for the Swift justice thus far