New York Governor Hochul orders prison staff involved in beating inmate to death to be fired

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, ordered the firing of more than a dozen prison staff in connection with the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this month.

Hochul said in a statement Saturday that she has directed the commissioner of the state’s Department of Corrections to initiate the process of firing 14 staff members involved in the Dec. 9 incident at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County. incident, which resulted in the death of 43-year-old Robert Brooks at the hospital the next day.

Brooks has been in prison since 2017 and is serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault.

The governor’s office said the decision was made after an internal review but did not provide details of the circumstances that led to Brooks’ death.

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“The vast majority of correctional officers do an extraordinary job under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service,” Hochul said. “But we will not tolerate those who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeting. Sexually abusive people.”

The corrections department provided a list of 13 employees, including corrections officers, sergeants and a nurse, who have been suspended without pay. They also include another correctional officer who resigned.

State Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Matucello III denounced the staff’s involvement and said the suspensions were “in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve.”

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The governor’s office said the decision was made after an internal review. (John Rampalski/Getty Images)

“There is no place for brutality in our department, and we will vigorously pursue justice for the individuals who committed this senseless act,” he said in a statement to The Associated Press. “These investigations are ongoing and additional suspensions may be issued. make.”

Brooks’ family said in a statement from their attorney that they were “incredibly shocked and saddened” by his death, the Times Union of Albany reported.

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul for taking swift action to hold officers accountable, but we cannot understand why this happened,” the family said. “No one should have to lose a family member this way.”

Robert Brooks has been in prison since 2017, serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault. (iStock)

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State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said her office is also investigating the use of force by correctional officers that led to Brooks’ death. She said her staff has obtained video of the incident and will release it after Brooks’ family sees it.

“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers the transparency they deserve,” James said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.