Horrific bodycam footage has emerged showing prison guards savagely beating Robert Brooks, 43, to death as he lay shackled and defenseless in the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, New York.
The brutal assault, which occurred on December 9, was captured on video by body-worn cameras used by the officers. Brooks was pronounced dead the following morning, sparking public outcry and calls for justice.
The footage, released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows three correction officers carrying Brooks into a medical examination room where the attack unfolded. Shackled and handcuffed, Brooks was punched repeatedly in the face and groin. One officer shoved his boot into Brooks’ stomach, while another yanked him up by the neck and dropped him onto the table.
As Brooks became unresponsive, the officers continued their assault, chaining his ankles and hauling his limp body into a corner. Despite being visibly unresponsive, the guards stripped him of his shirt and pants, leaving him bloodied and motionless.
Equally shocking was the inaction of several officers and medical personnel who witnessed the attack and failed to intervene.
Preliminary findings from Brooks’ autopsy indicate asphyxia due to neck compression as the cause of death, with his injuries attributed to the actions of others. Final autopsy results are pending.
State and Public Outrage
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the attack, calling the footage “outrageous and horrifying.” She has ordered a full investigation into Brooks’ death, emphasizing zero tolerance for those who abuse their positions of power.
“This senseless killing is a violation of the responsibility entrusted to correctional officers to care for and protect those in custody,” Hochul stated.
Attorney General Letitia James released the footage in the interest of transparency, though no criminal charges against the officers involved have been announced.
The Correctional Association of New York, a prison oversight group, previously reported systemic brutality and racism within the Marcy Correctional Facility during a monitoring visit two years ago.
Implications and Accountability
Thirteen correction officers and a nurse implicated in the attack now face termination. Craig DuMond, president of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, expressed shock and disgust, stating, “No human being should be treated that way, especially by those entrusted to protect and guard them.”
Brooks had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault and had been transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility just hours before the fatal attack.
The Brooks family, supported by community advocates, is demanding accountability for those responsible for his death.
XMN News will continue to follow this developing story as investigations progress and justice is sought for Robert Brooks.
