HipHopRaisedMeTheBlog.com is saddened to report the death of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi, a Harlem man who passed away in an upstate prison following a reported altercation with correction officers. The incident has raised serious concerns and prompted an investigation by the New York State Police during a time of unrest due to a wildcat strike by prison guards, which has now entered its second week.
The Incident
Messiah Nantwi was serving a five-year sentence at Mid-State Correctional Facility for a gun possession conviction stemming from a 2021 shootout with police. His death marks the fifth fatality to occur during the ongoing strike by correction officers, stirring outrage and calls for accountability within the correctional system.
According to reports, nine inmates have alleged that Nantwi was beaten by a team of correction officers while National Guard members, who were deployed to assist during the strike, observed the incident. The state police’s announcement of their investigation raises the possibility of criminal charges being filed as the details surrounding Nantwi’s death continue to unfold.
Statements from Officials
New York State Correction Commissioner Daniel Martuscello stated that 11 officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. He commented, “Any death in custody is certainly a tragedy,” although he declined to elaborate further on the specifics.
Governor Kathy Hochul described Nantwi’s death as “deeply troubling” and emphasized the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The actual cause of death is not known, but it is my highest priority to get to the bottom of this and find out exactly what happened,” she expressed.
Advocacy and Public Outcry
Advocates for criminal justice reform have drawn parallels between Nantwi’s death and previous instances of violence within the prison system, including the notorious case of Robert Brooks, who died in December after being beaten by officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The circumstances of Brooks’ death, which was captured on video, resulted in ten officers being indicted, including six facing murder charges.
Stan German, the executive director of New York County Defender Services, represented Nantwi in previous legal matters. He condemned the state corrections system, stating, “New York State’s Department of Corrections has been allowed to descend into a state of perfect corruption, one replete with disdain for human life.” He asserted that despite Nantwi’s incarceration, he deserved to be treated with basic human dignity and safety.
Background on Messiah Nantwi
Nantwi’s history includes involvement in a gunfight with police in February 2021, which occurred while he was spray-painting graffiti in the Bronx. Following that incident, he was charged with gun possession and later faced a pending murder charge in connection to a gang-related shooting in Harlem.
While details of his past raise questions about his involvement in criminal activity, those who knew him, including youth counselor Messiah Ramkissoon, described him as a young man with potential. Ramkissoon recalled, “He had a brilliant young mind, just a beautiful young brother,” emphasizing that he sought to better himself through education and personal growth.
The Ongoing Strike
The backdrop of this tragedy is the ongoing strike by correction officers, which has seen a decline in participation recently, with the number of affected facilities dropping from 38 to 32. The strike has been fueled by issues of safety and work hours amidst a staffing shortage, with officers demanding changes to the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement.
As the investigation into Nantwi’s death continues and the strike remains unresolved, the situation in New York’s correctional facilities remains precarious. Striking officers have faced potential repercussions, including civil contempt proceedings initiated by the attorney general’s office.
In this time of crisis, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Messiah Nantwi as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. The need for reform in the correctional system is more urgent than ever, as advocates call for accountability and justice in light of this tragic event. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
