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The death of Robert Brooks, who died following an incident at Marcy Correctional Facility, has been ruled a homicide. Brooks, aged 43, was attacked by several prison guards on December 9, 2024, and succumbed to his injuries the following day at a hospital in Utica. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner's report confirmed that Brooks died from "compression of the neck and multiple blunt impact injuries."
Body camera footage captured the incident, showing Brooks being beaten and choked by correction officers. According to Times Union, the footage reveals officers holding Brooks down and stomping on him while he was handcuffed and shackled. The attack took place shortly after Brooks was transferred to Marcy from Mohawk Correctional Facility.
Seventeen employees from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, including four sergeants, 11 correction officers, and two nurses, have been suspended. One officer, Anthony Farina, resigned immediately after the incident. Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that those responsible will face termination.
The case is being handled by Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who was appointed as special prosecutor after the state attorney general's office recused itself due to potential conflicts of interest. A grand jury in Oneida County is scheduled to begin reviewing evidence on February 10 (Monday).
The incident has sparked calls for reform in New York's correctional system, with lawmakers and prisoners' rights groups advocating for changes. Activists have organized protests and advocacy events to demand accountability and justice for Brooks.