In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves to the people, a 43-year-old handcuffed man has been brutally beaten to death by prison guards in New York. Notably, the man is identified as Robert Brookes, a black inmate serving a 12-year sentence for an assault at a Northern New York prison.
A devasting body-worn camera footage from the night of December 9, 2024, has been surfacing over the internet. The chilling video showed that one of the prison guards used his shoe to kick Brookes in the stomach, and another yanked him up by his neck and dropped him back on the table. The officers further removed his clothes. He lay down motionless and bloodied. His face also appeared to be bloody in some footage.
What Attorney General Said?
Tragically, he was pronounced dead on December 10 at Wayne Hospital in Utica. Attorney General Letitia James released the footage, ensuring transparency and accountability in the matter.
“As Attorney General, you have my word that we will use every possible tool available to us to investigate this death thoroughly and swiftly,” she added.
She said that four of the officers were involved in the matter. They were wearing body cameras. However, the video was captured soundless. The camera was activated, but the guards did not turn on the audio.
“These videos are shocking and disturbing, and I advise all to take appropriate care before choosing to watch them,” she said.
Additionally, the preliminary autopsy reports have confirmed his cause of death. He was dead due to the compression on his neck, although the full reports are still pending.
Brookes had been transferred from Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy Correctional Facility on the same day, i.e., on Monday, December 9, 2024. The footage of the incident showed that he was face down with his hands tied behind his back. The officers punched and kicked him in his face, chest, and groin. They further took him to the medical examination room.
Brooke’s Family Seeks Justice
Following the release of the footage, Brooke’s family members were understandably shaken by the brutal and horrific incident. They expressed their outrage and sorrow over the release of the footage, stating it was devastating and horrific.
The family further also vowed for justice, “We will not rest until we have secured justice for Robert’s memory,” they said.
New York Governor Condemns the Incident
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, condemned the incident, stating that these actions wouldn’t be tolerated more. “We have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law, and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse,” she added.
Institutional Change in the Department
The State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also condemned the attack. Commissioner Deniel F Martuscello III said that the video left him feeling profoundly repulsed and nauseated, and he would implement some institutional amendments in the department.
“It is not enough to simply condemn this horrific act and then go back to business. Institutional change must follow, and we have already begun to take proactive steps to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again within our facilities,” he added.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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