Six New York Prison Guards Charged with Murder in Brutal Beating of Handcuffed Inmate [Video]

It seems that justice may finally be served in the case of a Black inmate who was brutally beaten while handcuffed in New York.

Murder charges have been filed in the death of Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate who was savagely attacked by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in December. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that arrests are pending.

“Robert Brooks should be alive today,” Hochul stated. “The brutal attack on Mr. Brooks was sickening, and I immediately moved to terminate the employment of those involved.”

A grand jury indicted six correctional officers for second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, with two also facing gang assault charges. Identified suspects include Anthony Farina, Mathew Galliher, Christopher Walrath, David Kingsley, and Michael Mashaw. They pleaded not guilty.

Seventeen employees, including four sergeants and two nurses, were suspended for involvement. Additional charges, including manslaughter and evidence tampering, were filed against four others.

During the arraignment, an unidentified woman erupted in court, yelling, “Racist murderer!” before being escorted out.

Bodycam footage from December 9th showed Brooks cuffed as multiple guards punched and kicked him relentlessly while he lay on an infirmary bed. His face was visibly bloodied. He died the next day as a result of the beating. Brooks posed no threat to the officers, as he was restrained and could not have defended himself.

An autopsy confirmed homicide due to neck compression and blunt force trauma. Hochul ordered 14 workers terminated.

Brooks’ estate has filed a civil lawsuit, accusing 17 individuals of excessive force and other violations.