New York Prison Guards Charged in Beating Death of Handcuffed Inmate Appear in Court

UTICA, N.Y.—Six prison guards in New York have been indicted for second-degree murder related to the fatal beating of a handcuffed inmate, an incident that was recorded on body-worn cameras and sparked widespread protests and demands for accountability.

Additionally, four other corrections personnel face lesser charges in connection with the December death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility, as revealed in an indictment made public on Thursday.

Special prosecutor, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, expressed particular concern over the “sense of normalcy” displayed by the officers in the recordings, which were captured inadvertently on their body cameras.

“Any reasonable observer knowing what transpired would likely conclude he must have done something to provoke them, possibly spitting at or resisting the officers. In reality, he did nothing at all,” Fitzpatrick stated during a post-hearing news conference.

The handcuffed corrections officers appeared consecutively in a crowded Utica court to enter pleas of not guilty. Fitzpatrick noted that at least six of them were able to make bail. The bail for the murder charges was set at a $250,000 bail bond or a $1 million partially secured surety bond.

Protesters expressed outrage that the officers were granted bail. Fitzpatrick clarified that the judge acted in accordance with the law, asserting that the defendants posed no flight risk.

The guards facing second-degree murder charges include Nicholas Anzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Farina, Christopher Walrath, and Mathew Galliher. The identity of the sixth individual is being withheld pending their court appearance next week.

All six face first-degree manslaughter charges, indicating prosecutors believe they hold criminal accountability for the actions of their peers.

Brooks had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, having been transferred to the prison, located 200 miles northwest of New York City, shortly prior to the incident that was recorded.

Fitzpatrick stated that Brooks endured three separate assaults upon his arrival at the facility, with the fatal incident occurring in the infirmary and captured on the officers’ body cameras.

The footage reveals guards physically assaulting Brooks, whose hands were restrained behind his back. The officers punched him in the chest with a shoe, lifted him by the neck, and then dropped him. The silent video from the night of December 9 shows the guards unfazed by their actions. Brooks, aged 43, succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The cause of death was determined to be a “massive beating” that fractured a neck bone, severed his thyroid cartilage, and bruised several internal organs. The injuries also resulted from ongoing airway obstructions, leading to brain damage and choking on his own blood, as described by Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick emphasized that he intends to demonstrate in court that the guards believed the body-worn cameras were turned off, raising questions about a potential culture within the facility that permits such violent altercations with an apparent “sense of normalcy.”

Robert Brooks Jr., the victim’s son, remarked following the court proceedings that the indictments represented a move toward accountability.

“These men killed my father, it was on video. The whole world witnessed it. The wait for these charges has been incredibly difficult. It is essential that they are prosecuted and found guilty for their actions,” Brooks Jr. stated.

In a federal lawsuit filed in January, Robert Brooks Jr. alleged that his father’s attackers “systematically and casually beat him to death” and accused the prison system of fostering violence.

Fitzpatrick pointed out that the charges denote culpability not only for those who directly assaulted Brooks but also for those who observed the incident and failed to intervene.

Galliher, one of the charged officers, faces additional accusations of gang assault. Three other guards are charged with lesser manslaughter offenses, indicating prosecutors believe they were not directly responsible for murder but are partially accountable for the actions of others. These individuals are Michael Mashaw, Michael Fisher, and David Walters.

Another employee, whose exact role remains unclear, faces charges of tampering with evidence.

Nicolas Gentile reportedly “cleaned the area of Robert Brooks’ blood stains to conceal” the assault, according to court records.

Three other prison staff members have reached plea deals, Fitzpatrick confirmed.

“Today may mark a step toward restoring public trust that, when individuals cross ethical lines and engage in egregious acts, there will be serious repercussions,” Gov. Kathy Hochul stated to reporters in New York City.

Hochul had directed state officials to initiate termination processes for over a dozen employees implicated in Brooks’ assault.

The announcement of murder charges occurred on the fourth day of a wildcat strike, during which some corrections officers were allegedly refusing to report for duty at 36 correctional facilities statewide, according to prison officials.

Even prior to Brooks’ demise, staff at the medium-security prison had faced allegations of abusing inmates.

Fitzpatrick was assigned to the case as a special prosecutor after state Attorney General Letitia James recused herself, citing her office’s representation of several implicated officers in separate civil lawsuits. These officers had previously faced accusations of participating in or allowing violent behavior against inmates.

“It is fortunate that the existence of video evidence of this brutal murder enabled charges to be filed against these officers. For far too long, such evidence has been absent, making transparency and accountability elusive,” commented Jennifer Scaife, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York.

This watchdog group had reported on “widespread abuse by staff” at Marcy following interviews with incarcerated individuals in October 2022, who reported physical assaults occurring in camera-free areas such as leading into gates, in transport vans, and in showers. A guard allegedly told one newcomer that this was a “‘hands-on facility,’ and that they would use force if they disapproved of their actions,” as indicated in the report.