Related Post
Marcy, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered the termination of 14 employees at a Utica-area state prison following an inmate’s death.
Hochul announced Saturday she has ordered officials to immediately start the termination process for the employees at the Marcy Correctional Facility who were involved in the fatal attack of inmate Robert L. Brooks.
Prison staff used force on Brooks, 43, on Dec. 10 and he was later taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica where he died on Dec. 11, according to Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III.
Brooks, originally of Greece in Monroe County, was sentenced in 2017 to 12 years in prison for first-degree assault. He stabbed his girlfriend multiple times, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Prison staff involved in the incident with Brooks were initially placed on administrative leave pending the internal investigation, Martuscello said.
The state Attorney General’s Office on Saturday announced its plans to release video showing the use of force after Brooks’ family has the opportunity to view it.
The AG’s Office is required by state law to investigate any deaths that result from an action, or inaction, by police officers or peace officers, including corrections officers.
Gov. Hochul said Saturday that “the vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service. But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”
Brooks’ family said in a statement from their lawyer that they are “incredibly shocked and saddened” about the death, according to The Times-Union in Albany, which first reported the death.
“We are grateful that Gov. Hochul is taking swift action to hold officers accountable, but we cannot understand how this could have happened in the first place,” the family said in its statement, according to the newspaper. “No one should have to lose a family member this way.”
Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
