New York – Six prison guards in New York have been indicted for second-degree murder in connection with the death of an inmate who was handcuffed. Additionally, four corrections workers are facing charges related to the incident. The beating of Robert Brooks by several officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in December was captured on body-worn cameras, sparking widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Some of the corrections officers appeared in a Utica court in handcuffs as a judge heard pleas and considered bond. The officers, including Nicholas Anzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Farina, Christopher Walrath, and Mathew Galliher, were charged with second-degree murder. The name of the sixth individual was redacted, pending a separate court appearance. The six were also charged with first-degree manslaughter, indicating prosecutors’ belief in their criminal liability for the actions.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, serving as the special prosecutor, stated his intention to demonstrate in court that the guards thought the body-worn cameras were inactive during the incident. This raised concerns about a culture among guards where such behavior towards an inmate was seen as “normal.” Robert Brooks Jr., the victim’s son, emphasized the importance of addressing systemic issues within the prison system and holding those in authority accountable.
After the release of some corrections officers, individuals present at the court expressed dissatisfaction with the charges, with one man stating that “These people killed a Black man” and a woman shouting “murder, murder.” The body-camera footage revealed officers assaulting Brooks, who was restrained with his hands behind his back. Brooks, aged 43, succumbed to his injuries the following day.
An autopsy report indicated that Brooks’ death resulted from neck compression and multiple blunt force injuries. Galliher, one of the corrections officers, faced additional charges of gang assault. Three other guards were charged with lesser manslaughter offenses, while a worker was accused of tampering with evidence. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident as “sickening” and underscored the importance of safety reforms within the correctional system.
Brooks had been serving a sentence for first-degree assault and was transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility shortly before the fatal beating. The incident has shed light on broader allegations of abuse within the facility and prompted calls for increased transparency and accountability. Fitzpatrick’s involvement in the case as a special prosecutor followed the recusal of state Attorney General Letitia James due to potential conflicts of interest.
Critics have pointed to a history of abuse within the prison system, with a watchdog group reporting instances of violence at Marcy Correctional Facility. The need for video evidence in holding officers accountable for misconduct was highlighted, signaling a potential shift towards greater transparency in addressing abuses within the correctional system.