N.Y. Prison Guards Charged with Murder After ‘Sickening’ Violence Caught on Camera

Ten New York Prison Guards Face Murder Charges in Connection with Robert Brooks’ Death

In a shocking turn of events, ten corrections officers in New York have been charged with the murder of inmate Robert Brooks, who prosecutors allege was killed at a State prison while handcuffed in December 2024. The charges include second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, gang assault, filing a false report, manslaughter, and tampering with physical evidence. The incident, which was captured on body camera footage, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her dismay at the brutality of the attack, stating that Robert Brooks should still be alive today. She swiftly moved to terminate the employment of those involved and ensure that justice is served. Brooks’ son, Robert, welcomed the charges against the officers as a crucial step towards holding them accountable for his father’s death. He emphasised the importance of not only convicting the offenders but also addressing the systemic issues within the prison system.

According to the charging document obtained by PEOPLE, Brooks, who was 43 years old, was subjected to multiple assaults while being transferred to the infirmary for a medical checkup. The document alleges that he was restrained, beaten, choked, and kicked with minimal resistance on his part and no legitimate law enforcement purpose. Despite the brutal attack being caught on camera, the officers failed to intervene or provide immediate medical assistance to Brooks.

The ranking corrections officer in the emergency room, along with two other officers, neglected to stop the beatings and even prevented medical personnel from entering the room. Additional charges of falsifying paperwork and tampering with evidence have been brought against some of the officers involved, highlighting the extent of the misconduct that occurred during the tragic incident.

Brooks succumbed to his injuries, which included blunt force trauma and compression to the neck, as confirmed by his family attorney. The body camera footage of the incident paints a grim picture of the events that unfolded, with one officer repeatedly assaulting Brooks while another used a chokehold on him. The family has filed a civil rights lawsuit, seeking justice for their lost loved one and pushing for broader reforms in the prison system.

Despite serving a 12-year sentence for a previous crime, Brooks did not deserve the brutal treatment he received at the hands of those meant to uphold the law. The criminal charges brought against the officers are a vital step towards ensuring accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Elizabeth Mazur, the family’s attorney, emphasised that although securing convictions is crucial, broader changes within the system are necessary to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.

The shocking case has reignited discussions about the need for reform within the corrections system to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. The family of Robert Brooks is determined to see justice served and systemic changes implemented to prevent future instances of violence and abuse in prisons. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the criminal justice system.

In conclusion, the tragic death of Robert Brooks has exposed the dark underbelly of the prison system and raised important questions about accountability and systemic reform. The charges against the New York prison guards involved in his death mark a significant step towards justice, but there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of such violence and prevent similar incidents in the future.