New York Guards Assault Handcuffed Inmate Before His Death
A shocking video shows New York prison guards beating an inmate hours before he died, raising serious concerns about prison safety and accountability
New York, Robert Brooks, Marcy Correctional Facility, Inmate Abuse, Prison Guards
New York: A disturbing incident has come to light involving prison guards at Marcy Correctional Facility. They were caught on video beating a handcuffed inmate named Robert Brooks just hours before he died.
The footage shows three guards kicking and punching Brooks while he was restrained on a medical examination table. It’s hard to watch, honestly. They didn’t hold back, hitting him in the face and groin while others just stood by.
At one point, one guard even used his shoe to hit Brooks in the stomach. Can you believe that? They left him bloodied and unconscious after a brutal 30-minute attack.
Brooks, who was 43 and serving time for assault, was pronounced dead the next day at a hospital. The video was released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who expressed her condolences to Brooks’ family.
She mentioned that her office is looking into the use of force that led to his death, but it’s unclear if any officers will face charges. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “outraged and horrified” by what she saw and announced that 13 officers and a nurse involved would be fired.
Brooks’ autopsy results are still pending, but early findings suggest he may have died from asphyxia due to neck compression. The state’s corrections commissioner, Daniel Martuscello III, was visibly upset by the footage and has suspended those involved without pay.
He emphasized that there’s no excuse for such inhumane behavior. Following this incident, the department has mandated that staff use body cameras during all interactions with inmates.
Brooks’ family lawyer, Elizabeth Mazur, stated that the public can now see the horrific nature of the attack. She stressed that Brooks deserved to live and that others in the facility should not have to fear violence from prison staff.