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Testimony resumes today in the trial of three former officers from Marcy Correctional Facility in Utica. Mathew Galliher, Nicholas Kieffer, and David Kingsley face charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in the death of inmate Robert Brooks last December. If convicted, they could face up to 25 years to life in prison.
During the trial, jurors were shown autopsy photos of Brooks' severe injuries, which included trauma to his nose, spleen, liver, and groin. Dr. Yekaterina Merkulova, from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, testified that Brooks died from asphyxia due to extreme compression of his neck and other injuries. According to Syracuse.com, the defense questioned the timing of Brooks' injuries, but Merkulova confirmed they occurred at Marcy Correctional Facility.
Robert Kessler, a former officer who took a plea deal, testified against his colleagues, describing how guards brutally beat Brooks while he was handcuffed. Kessler also revealed an attempted cover-up involving rewritten reports. As reported by Corrections1, Kessler testified that the officers involved acted as a "gang," with some using pepper spray and others delivering physical blows.
The trial, which was paused for Columbus Day, continues today (October 14) with more testimonies expected. Another officer is set to stand trial in January, and several others have already pleaded guilty. According to UticaOD.com, the case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the alleged actions and the involvement of multiple officers.