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Jury deliberations are set to resume today in the trial of former Mid-State Correctional Facility officer Jonah Levi, who is facing charges related to the March 2025 beating death of inmate Messiah Nantwi in Marcy. If convicted of murder, Levi could receive a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
On Tuesday (March 31), the jury spent a second day reviewing evidence and testimony, including body camera footage from multiple corrections officers and the read-back of testimony from former officer Nathan Palmer. According to CNY Central, Palmer previously pleaded guilty to charges of hindering prosecution and falsifying records, agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors as part of his plea deal.
Jurors also asked Judge Michael Nolan to clarify legal definitions for murder in the second degree and manslaughter in the first, underscoring the complexity of the charges Levi faces. The trial, held in Oneida County Court, centers around whether Levi and other Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) members used excessive force on Nantwi, who was 22 at the time of his death.
The prosecution argues that Levi delivered multiple kicks to Nantwi's head while he was restrained, causing fatal injuries. Medical Examiner Katrina Monday testified that Nantwi died from "multiple blunt force injuries due to assault," classifying the manner of death as homicide. As reported by WHEC-TV, autopsy photos and body cam footage were shown in court, revealing Nantwi suffered 69 injuries, including 15 kicks to the head.
Levi's defense maintains he was not present when the beating took place and claims Nantwi died after a fall in the prison’s medical bay. Levi has denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. Defense attorney Graeme Spicer argued that the prison environment is volatile and that Levi was following protocol, asserting there is reasonable doubt about Levi’s involvement. Spicer also questioned the credibility of key witnesses, including Palmer, who is testifying under a plea agreement, and Michael Moon, an inmate whose testimony was challenged for past convictions, according to Utica Observer-Dispatch.
The April 2025 indictment charged ten officers in connection with Nantwi's death and an alleged cover-up. Only Levi and another officer, Caleb Blair, face murder charges; Blair's trial is set to begin in May.
Jury deliberations will continue today as the community and those involved await a verdict in this closely watched case.