Photo: Catherine McQueen / Moment / Getty Images
In Utica, three former corrections officers appeared in court on Tuesday (June 3) in connection with the death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility. The officers, Matthew Galliher, Nicholas Kieffer, and David Kingsley, face serious charges, including murder, manslaughter, and gang assault, following the incident that occurred last December.
Matthew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer requested that the charges against them be dropped, but Judge Michael Bauer denied their request. Galliher's attorney argued that his client did not strike Brooks and was not present for much of the incident. Galliher had previously rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his charges. Kieffer's lawyer claimed there was insufficient evidence to support the charges, despite Kieffer admitting to using pepper spray and kneeing Brooks.
David Kingsley, another officer involved, requested that his trial be separated from the others, citing prejudicial circumstances as co-defendants attempt to place blame on one another. The court has yet to rule on this request, with a decision expected in July.
According to Spectrum News, the incident was captured on body-worn cameras, showing officers hitting Brooks while he was restrained. He died the following day at a hospital in Utica. The footage has triggered widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The defense for Galliher claimed that false testimony was given to the grand jury by another employee, Sgt. Glen Trombly, who is cooperating with the special prosecutor. However, special prosecutor Jed Hudson argued that the testimony was not false, but rather a mistaken recollection of a chaotic event. Hudson also stated that there is additional evidence against Galliher, showing him pushing Brooks down during the attack.
The three officers face the possibility of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The case continues to draw attention as it progresses through the legal system, with suppression hearings scheduled to begin in mid-July.