MARCY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Saturday that she was firing 14 people at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision who were involved in the beating death of Robert Brooks, an inmate at an upstate New York correctional facility, earlier this month.
The governor said that she told DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello to immediately begin the termination process for those 14 individuals involved in Brooks’ death.
Brooks, 43, was incarcerated at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Marcy, Oneida County. Officials said that on Dec. 9 he was subjected to a use of force by correction officers. He was injured and transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead the next morning.
“This action comes after I directed an internal review of the circumstances that lead to this individual’s death,” Hochul said. “I once again offer my condolences to the deceased individual's family and loved ones.”
Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation is probing the use of force that preceded Brooks’ death, and as part of the query, is reviewing video of the incident. The video will be released to the public after Brooks’ family has viewed it, officials said.
“Law enforcement professionals must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and I am committed to providing New Yorkers with the transparency they deserve,” James said. “On behalf of the Office of the Attorney General, I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Brooks’ family and loved ones.”
The attorney general’s OSI is the body that will determine whether to bring criminal charges forward against the guards who allegedly killed Brooks. The DOCCS’ OSI is also investigating.
“The vast majority of correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and we are all grateful for their service. But we have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law and engage in unnecessary violence or targeted abuse,” Hochul said. “I am committed to accountability for all involved.”