*Robert Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, died on December 9 after allegedly being violently beaten and asphyxiated by corrections staff, according to a preliminary autopsy. Bodycam footage shows Brooks, who was restrained and gagged, being attacked by multiple employees.
Thirteen corrections staff members have been suspended without pay, and one resigned following the incident. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the state corrections commissioner to initiate the firing process for those involved.
“Today, as I stood in the room where Robert Brooks was killed, I was once again heartbroken by this unnecessary loss of life and further sickened to think of the actions of depraved individuals with no regard for human life,” Hochul said in a statement, per USA Today.
“Mr. Brooks and his family did not deserve this. I told both Marcy’s leadership and the incarcerated individuals that I met with that every single individual who enters a DOCCS facility deserves to be safe, whether they are employed there or serving their time. The system failed Mr. Brooks, and I will not be satisfied until there has been significant culture change,” Hochul added.
Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault at the time of his death.
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According to state employee compensation records, eight of the 14 Department of Corrections employees earn six-figure salaries.
Here’s more from TMZ:
During 2022 or 2023, the annual income data reveals Sergeant Glenn Trombly made $149,185; Officer David Kingsley II snagged $147,745; Officer Matthew Galliher took in $114,375; Sergeant Michael Marshaw collected $105,672; Officer Christopher Walrath received $113,969; Officer Nicholas Kieffer earned $118,151; Officer Anthony Farina was paid $142,528; and nurse Kyle Dashnaw was compensated $110,087.
The other six corrections employees are paid under $100K, but still make a pretty good living. Here is the list of 2023 salaries for those officers: Nicholas Anzalone ($87,028), Robert Kessler ($89,248), Michael Fisher ($85,143), Michael Along ($88,333), Shea Schoff ($87,276) and David Walters ($70,423).
The FBI has launched an investigation into Brooks’ death. Governor Hochul has ordered corrections leaders to enact immediate reforms to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.
“I am implementing a number of new policies at Marcy and within DOCCS, and I look forward to continuing to hear ideas from experts, elected officials, and advocates as we continue this work,” Hochul said.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Outrage Follows Release of Footage Showing Sadistic Beating of Robert L. Brooks At Correctional Facility in NY State | WATCH-it-Happen
