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Several current and former corrections officers from the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, have been indicted by a grand jury for their alleged involvement in the death of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi. The officers are expected to appear in court today (April 16) following their surrender to the New York State Police.
Nantwi died on March 1 after reportedly being severely beaten by guards during a wildcat strike by prison personnel. This strike had led to a state of crisis in New York's prisons, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard. According to CNY Central, a total of 15 staff members were placed on leave, with some resigning and others remaining suspended without pay.
Governor Hochul expressed her dismay over the incident, describing Nantwi's death as "deeply disturbing." The investigation is being led by Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who has been appointed as the special prosecutor. Fitzpatrick announced a "noteworthy development" in the case, signaling potential criminal charges.
The NBC News reports that the incident has drawn attention to the broader issues within the prison system, exacerbated by the strike and subsequent staff shortages. Nantwi, who was serving a five-year sentence for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, had entered the prison system in May 2024.
The case is reminiscent of another recent incident at the nearby Marcy Correctional Facility, where inmate Robert Brooks was fatally beaten, leading to charges against several guards. The investigations into both deaths are ongoing, with further legal proceedings expected.