A newly released video reveals violent actions by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, where an inmate was fatally beaten while restrained. The incident, now under investigation by the New York attorney general, has drawn widespread condemnation from state officials.
The video footage, captured by body-worn cameras and released publicly, shows officers physically assaulting Robert Brooks, a handcuffed inmate, in a medical examination room. Brooks, aged 43, was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault from 2017 until his death on December 10, as confirmed by Attorney General Letitia James.
In critical sequences of the footage, Brooks is seen being kicked and punched by officers while handcuffed. Notably, one officer appears to insert a material into Brooks’ mouth and strike him in the face repeatedly. Another officer targets Brooks’ groin and uses a shoe to inflict further harm. Despite the presence of body cameras, audio was not recorded, as four officers did not activate this function.
The footage further illustrates Brooks being dragged into the facility by three officers, his hands restrained behind his back, and later shown in an examination room where the abuse continued. The disturbing images include Brooks being hit repeatedly and finally positioned at the edge of an exam table, visibly injured.
Authorities have not issued a statement about the exact cause of Brooks’ death. However, Jeremy Faust, an emergency medical professional, suggested the possibility of a fatal spinal cord injury resulting from the manner in which officers moved Brooks. After being lifted by his shirt, Brooks displayed signs of paralysis, possibly due to a hyperextended neck.
New York’s response to the incident was swift, with Governor Kathy Hochul expressing her horror and calling for an internal review. She instructed the state’s correction department to terminate over a dozen employees involved in the events leading up to Brooks’ death to prevent further occurrences.
Daniel F. Martuscello III, a corrections commissioner, announced firm measures in the wake of the footage, including daily audits to ensure full use of body cameras and enhanced supervision at correctional facilities. He emphasized that systemic reforms are underway to avoid repeat offenses, committing to proactive changes within the department.
The Brooks family’s legal representation echoed demands for justice, highlighting the traumatic nature of the footage. The family, after viewing the video, expressed their devastation and determination to seek accountability for Brooks and seek reformative actions at the facility.
In a statement, the union representing correctional officers distanced itself from the actions shown in the video, describing them as unrepresentative of the broader staff’s conduct. The union underscored the gravity and incomprehensibility of the footage.
The shocking footage from Marcy Correctional Facility has prompted calls for transparency and reform within the prison system. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future, with authorities committed to implementing necessary changes.
Source: Wsvn