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The trial of three former corrections officers accused of killing inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility continues as the jury resumes deliberations Monday (October 20) in Oneida County. The defendants, David Kingsley, Matthew Galliher, and Nicholas Kieffer, face charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter for their alleged roles in the December 2024 beating death of Brooks.
The jury began deliberations last Wednesday, and despite hours of discussion, they have yet to reach a verdict. According to Syracuse.com, the jurors have requested to review the legal definitions of the charges multiple times, indicating difficulty in reaching a consensus. The prosecution argues that the guards acted as a gang, intending to dehumanize Brooks, while the defense claims their clients had minimal involvement.
Body camera footage, described as crucial evidence, shows guards punching, kicking, and restraining Brooks. The footage was recorded passively, capturing the incident from multiple angles. Brooks, a 43-year-old from Rochester, died in the hospital the day after the incident. He was serving a 12-year sentence for assault.
A total of ten guards were indicted in connection with Brooks' death. Six have already pleaded guilty, and another, Michael Fisher, is set to face trial in January. If convicted, Kingsley, Galliher, and Kieffer could face up to 25 years to life in prison. The trial, which began on October 6, has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the charges and the involvement of multiple officers.