New York Attorney General Letitia James has unveiled shocking and disturbing body-worn camera footage showing the fatal beating of an inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York. The incident resulted in the death of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate serving a 12-year prison sentence for first-degree assault since 2017.
The footage revealed that Brooks was beaten by correctional officers in the early morning of December 10. In response to the incident, Governor Kathy Hochul has taken swift action by directing the state's corrections department to terminate 14 workers involved in the attack.
While acknowledging the dedication of the majority of correction officers who perform admirably under challenging circumstances, Governor Hochul emphasized zero tolerance for individuals who engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.
The Marcy Correctional Facility, a medium-security state prison situated in Oneida County, approximately 52 miles east of Syracuse, has come under scrutiny following this tragic event.
The Brooks family, represented by attorney Elizabeth Mazur, has viewed the distressing body camera footage capturing the final moments of Robert's life. The family is determined to seek justice for Robert's memory and ensure the safety of prisoners at the Marcy Correctional Facility.
In response to the released footage, NYSCOPBA, the union representing New York correctional officers, expressed disbelief at the incomprehensible nature of the beating. The union stressed that such actions are not representative of the exemplary work carried out by the majority of its members on a daily basis.
