New York Gov. Hochul orders firing of prison staff involved in fatal beating of inmate

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

Hochul said in a statement on Saturday that he has instructed the commissioner of the Department of Corrections to begin the process of firing 14 employees involved in the December 9 incident at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County that led to the death of Robert Brooks, 43. the next day at the hospital.

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

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

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“Most of the prison officers are doing an excellent job under difficult conditions, and we are all very grateful for their work,” said Hochul. “But we have zero tolerance for people who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse.”

The Department of Corrections has provided a list of 13 employees, including corrections officers, sergeants and nurses who have been suspended without pay. It also included another disciplinary officer who resigned.

Department of Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III criticized the staff’s involvement and said the suspension is “in the best interest of the agency and the communities we serve.”

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The Governor’s office said the decision came after an internal review. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

“There is no place for cruelty in our department and we will vigorously pursue justice for the people who committed this senseless act,” he said in a statement sent to the Associated Press. “This investigation is still ongoing and others may be stopped.”

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

“We are grateful that Gov. Hochul is taking immediate steps to hold the police accountable, but we do not understand how this could have happened in the first place,” said the family. “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. (Stock)

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State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, said her office is also investigating the use of force by corrections officers that led to Brooks’ death. He said his staff has received the video of the incident and it will be released after Brooks’ family has seen it.

“Law enforcement officers must conduct themselves in a high-quality manner, and I am committed to providing the people of New York with the transparency they deserve,” James said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.