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Jury selection is starting today (Monday, January 12) in the trial of former Marcy Correctional Facility officer Michael Fisher in Marcy. Fisher, 55, faces a second-degree manslaughter charge for his alleged involvement in the December 2024 beating death of inmate Robert Brooks. He is accused of standing by and not intervening as fellow officers attacked Brooks in the infirmary.
The trial is expected to last more than a week and will be presided over by Judge Robert L. Bauer. The prosecution, led by Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, will argue that Fisher had a duty to intervene, a point supported by body camera footage from the scene. Fisher's defense attorney, Scott W. Iseman, will likely contest this duty, emphasizing that it is a departmental policy rather than a law.
Brooks' death has prompted calls for prison reform, with his family advocating for changes to prevent similar incidents. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation mandating cameras in all New York State prison facilities and vehicles, as well as expanding oversight by the State Commission of Correction.
The case is the last in a series of trials related to Brooks' death, with several officers already found guilty or having taken plea deals. If convicted, Fisher faces up to 15 years in prison. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched as it may impact ongoing discussions about correctional officer duties and prison reform.