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In a significant development in the legal case involving former Marcy Correctional Facility guard David Walters, the officer is appealing a plea deal he accepted in connection with the 2024 beating death of inmate Robert Brooks. Walters, who had pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, is challenging the plea due to a change in the judge's instructions regarding the case.
Walters initially accepted a plea deal that reduced his potential sentence from 25 years to life down to 2 ⅓ to 7 years in prison. However, his attorney argues that the judge altered his stance on a critical legal point, which influenced Walters' decision to accept the plea. The appeal, scheduled to be heard in October, will determine whether Walters can withdraw his plea and potentially avoid returning to prison.
The case stems from a December 9, 2024, incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility, where several officers, including Walters, were accused of beating Brooks. Brooks, who was transferred to Marcy after an altercation at the Mohawk Correctional Facility, died from extensive injuries sustained during the attack. The incident was partially captured on body cameras worn by the officers.
The legal proceedings have seen multiple officers charged, with some accepting plea deals and others going to trial. One officer, David Kingsley, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. The trial for another officer, Michael Fisher, is set to begin in early January.
Walters' appeal focuses on the argument that the duty to intervene, a policy of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, should not have been used as a basis for criminal liability. Walters' attorney contends that this policy lacks the legal authority to hold Walters criminally responsible.
The outcome of Walters' appeal could have implications for the broader legal framework surrounding the duty to intervene and the accountability of correctional officers in similar cases. Until the appeal is resolved, Walters remains free on bail.