Prison guards 'beat handcuffed inmate to death' as they kick and choke him in horrific attack
Labour sets free a 'serious gangster' sentenced for kidnapping
GB News
Prison guards have been caught on camera fatally beating a handcuffed inmate, in a shocking attack.
Robert Brooks, 43, was repeatedly punched, kicked and choked by officers during the incident on December 9 at Marcy Correctional Facility, in New York State, according to video released by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The footage, which James described as "shocking" and "disturbing", shows multiple officers assaulting Brooks whilst he was restrained on a medical examination table.
Officers can be seen carrying Brooks into the medical room with his hands cuffed behind his back.
Robert Brooks was repeatedly punched, kicked and choked by officers during the incident on December 9
Office of the New York State Attorney General
The footage shows officers repeatedly striking Brooks in the face, groin and chest whilst he was restrained.
One officer appears to force something into Brooks' mouth while another holds him by the throat.
At one point, Brooks is laid flat on the examination table as an officer strikes his chest whilst another places a foot on his lower torso.
The video ends showing Brooks motionless in his underwear on the table.
Brooks was pronounced dead at a local hospital the following day, December 10.
Preliminary findings from the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office indicate "concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, as well as the death being due to actions of another", according to court filings.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
He was pronounced dead on December 10
Office of the New York State Attorney General
Four officers involved did not activate their body cameras during the incident, violating state policy, though the cameras still recorded video in standby mode without audio.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the firing of 14 prison staff members, including officers and a nurse involved in the attack.
"Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks", Hochul said in a statement.
Attorney General Letitia James pledged a thorough investigation, stating: "As attorney general, you have my word that we will use every possible tool to investigate this death thoroughly and swiftly".
Thirteen staff members have been suspended without pay, whilst one resigned the day after the incident.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the firing of 14 prison staff members, including officers and a nurse involved in the attack
Office of the New York State Attorney General
Elizabeth Mazur, an attorney for the Brooks family, said: "Members of the public can now view for themselves the horrific and extreme nature of the deadly attack on Robert L. Brooks"
"As viewers can see, Mr. Brooks was fatally, violently beaten by a group of officers whose job was to keep him safe."
Brooks had been transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility on the day of the attack from nearby Mohawk Correctional Facility.
He was serving a 12-year prison sentence since 2017 for first-degree assault.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association called the incident "incomprehensible" and said it was "not reflective of the great work" of most officers.
You may like
