The brutal beating of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility has sparked outrage and calls for accountability after shocking body camera footage depicting the violent incident was released by the New York Attorney General's Office.
According to Attorney General Letitia James, Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for stabbing his girlfriend, died on December 10, 2022, following the event on December 9 when he was confronted by correctional officers at the facility near Utica. "These videos are shocking and disturbing and I advise all to take appropriate care before choosing to watch them," James stated, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
The footage, recorded from the body cameras of four officers, shows Brooks, with his hands cuffed behind his back, being punched, kicked, and assaulted by several officers as he lies semi-conscious. No audio was captured during the incident, but the video clearly demonstrates the excessive force used against Brooks, leading to his eventual death from apparent asphyxiation.
On December 9, Brooks was transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy. According to reports, he was moved to the medical examination room shortly before the incident occurred. Eyewitness accounts from the video show correctional officers stuffing what appears to be cloth inside Brooks' mouth and continuously restraining him around the neck. Preliminary autopsy findings reportedly point to asphyxia as the cause of death due to compression of the neck.
Following Brooks' death, James initiated an investigation by the Office of Special Investigation on December 16. All staff members involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, and Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her outrage, stating, "I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I will not tolerate anyone who violates [the responsibility to protect inmates]." Hochul has called for the termination of 14 individuals involved.
Local leaders voiced their concerns and called for justice. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed his condolences, saying, "The brutal beating of Robert Brooks, captured in the videos released today, was beyond horrific. Those responsible for this appalling act must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, who described himself as "deeply disturbed" by the footage, added, "The actions of these officers were completely unacceptable. Those responsible must be held accountable and I will closely monitor the Attorney General’s investigation." The stark reactions indicate the gravity of the situation and the demand for justice from both legislators and the public.
Brooks' family has released statements following their viewing of the footage. ``Watching the horrific and violent final moments of Robert's life was devastating for his loved ones and will be disturbing to anyone who views the video,`` said their attorney, Liz Mazur. The family insists they will not rest until justice is served for Brooks, and they are advocating for improved safety for inmates at Marcy Correctional Facility.
The incident has drawn criticism from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, which stated, “What we witnessed is incomprehensible... This incident has the potential to make our correctional facilities even more violent.” They emphasized their stance against the abusive behavior witnessed within their ranks.
Similarly, the New York State Sheriff's Association, represented by Sheriff Craig DuMond, condemned the actions taken by the corrections officers. "No human being should be treated like this... it is made even worse by the fact... against those they were entrusted to guard and protect," DuMond remarked, highlighting the breach of trust by those involved.
The Marcy Correctional Facility incident is under investigation by four agencies, including the State Police and the Department of Corrections. Legal measures are anticipated as the Attorney General's office has the authority to present evidence to a grand jury for potential charges against the officers involved.
This incident is not only shocking but also raises questions about conditions within correctional facilities. The Correctional Association of New York has previously flagged issues of rampant abuse and described the atmosphere as one of "pervasive culture of fear and retaliation" within the prison system.
Brooks' death is emblematic of broader issues facing the penal system, with many advocates and lawmakers calling for reforms to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The pressing need for accountability and justice for Robert Brooks reverberates through the community, emphasizing the urgent requirement for systemic change within all levels of the correctional system.
The Marcy Correctional Facility incident serves as both a tragedy and a pivotal moment, pushing for necessary reforms within the state’s correctional system. The community and officials alike are calling for justice and systemic change to address the violence, ensuring the safety of all inmates and staff involved.
