Photo: Michał Chodyra / iStock / Getty Images
Testimony in the high-profile murder trial of former Mid-State Correctional Facility officer Jonah Levi is wrapping up for the week in Oneida County Court. Levi faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and gang assault in the March 1, 2025, beating death of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi. If convicted on the top count, Levi could face 25 years to life in prison.
Over four days of proceedings, jurors have heard from a series of prosecution witnesses, including fellow corrections officers, forensic experts, and a paramedic. According to CNY Central, former corrections officer Adam Joseph testified about the use of body-worn cameras and said he saw no beating in the infirmary, but later rode in the ambulance with Nantwi, who was unresponsive. Paramedic Misty Phillips confirmed she found Nantwi in the infirmary with no pulse.
Testimony also focused on evidence collected from Levi's boots. New York State Police investigator Andrew Skerpon said DNA matching Nantwi was found on boots taken from Levi’s truck, according to Spectrum Local News. Forensic scientists stated that a shank, allegedly planted by officers, did not contain Nantwi's blood or DNA.
Jurors also heard emotional testimony from Nantwi’s former cellmate, Michael Moon, who described seeing a corrections officer kick Nantwi “like he was a football,” and from former officer Nathan Palmer, who testified that Levi stomped on Nantwi’s head several times until stopped by another officer. Palmer also said Nantwi did not do anything to justify the violence, as reported by WKTV.
The prosecution is expected to call its final witness, the medical examiner, when court resumes Friday (March 28). It remains unclear whether the defense will present any witnesses. The trial is expected to continue into next week, with deliberations to follow.