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Opening statements are scheduled today in the trial of former Mid-State Correctional Facility officer Jonah Levi, who is accused of murder and gang assault in connection with the beating death of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi last March in Oneida County. Levi faces six charges, including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and multiple counts of gang assault, after prosecutors alleged he and other guards fatally beat Nantwi and tossed him down a flight of stairs at the prison.
A jury of twelve men and women, along with three alternates, was selected Monday (March 23) in Utica for Levi’s trial. Opening statements are set for Tuesday (March 24) at 10 a.m. at the Oneida County Courthouse, according to reporting from WKTV.
Prosecutors say Levi was among ten corrections officers indicted after Nantwi died from traumatic brain injuries caused by repeated blows to his head and body, as confirmed by the Onondaga County medical examiner. District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, acting as special prosecutor, alleges Levi and other officers struck Nantwi with their fists, batons, and boots after an incident during a routine inmate count. According to Syracuse.com, prosecutors also claim officers attempted to cover up the incident by falsifying forms, planting a weapon, and coordinating their stories.
None of the officers wore active body cameras during the incident, even though state policy requires them when interacting with inmates. Nantwi’s family has since filed a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force.
Levi, represented by attorney Graham Spicer, has denied all allegations and turned down an earlier offer to plead guilty to second-degree murder for an 18-year sentence, as reported by Spectrum News. If convicted, Levi faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The trial, presided over by Judge Michael Nolan, is expected to last up to two weeks, with further trials for other officers scheduled later this spring.