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Jury deliberations continue today in the manslaughter trial of former Marcy Correctional Facility officer Michael Fisher in Utica. Fisher is accused of failing to intervene during the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks in December 2024. If convicted, Fisher faces up to 15 years in prison.
During closing arguments, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick argued that Fisher stood by for nearly seven minutes while Brooks was beaten by other guards, failing to stop the assault despite being close enough to intervene. Fitzpatrick stated, "Did Fisher cause the death of Brooks? Of course he did," emphasizing the duty Fisher had to act as a corrections officer.
Fisher's defense attorney, Scott Iseman, countered by urging the jury to consider Fisher's actions without the benefit of hindsight. Iseman argued that Fisher did not have a clear understanding of the situation's severity at the time, and that the evidence presented did not prove his client's guilt.
The trial has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and the reforms it has prompted within New York's prison system. The incident was captured on body cameras, which showed Fisher standing by during the assault. The case has highlighted ongoing issues within the state's correctional facilities, including understaffing and allegations of brutality.
Fisher is the last of ten guards indicted in connection with Brooks' death to face trial. Several others have pleaded guilty to manslaughter or lesser charges, while one was convicted of murder. The jury began deliberations on Thursday (January 15) and will continue today.