Lawmakers Demand Accountability After Death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility
Lawmakers in Rochester and across New York state are calling for an independent investigation and systemic reforms following the death of Robert Brooks, 43, at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, NY earlier this month.
The Greater Rochester Area Majority Delegation, which includes Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Senator Samra Brouk, Senator Jeremy Cooney, Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, Assemblymember Sarah Clark and Assemblymember Demond Meeks issued a statement calling the incident inhumane and calling for accountability.
“The details emerging from this horrific incident, including the reports and videos of a brutal assault by correctional officers, are nothing short of terrifying and tell us the officers lack humanity, empathy, and compassion,” the statement read. “These actions do not represent who we are as New Yorkers. We must demand accountability and justice. We will call for a full, independent investigation by relevant agencies to ensure that those responsible for these heinous actions are held accountable. Termination of those found to have violated their duty is just the first step; meaningful systemic change must follow to ensure this never happens again."
Brooks, a Greece, NY resident, died on Dec. 10 after what the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) described as an encounter with correctional officers. According to preliminary reports, Brooks was restrained following an alleged altercation and later became unresponsive. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby medical facility.
Brooks, who had been serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault since 2017, was transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility just hours before the incident.
The Office of Special Investigation within the state attorney general’s office is currently probing the circumstances surrounding Brooks’ death, including the actions of correctional officers involved. In response to public pressure, the office released limited body-camera footage and surveillance video, which show the moments leading up to Brooks’ restraint.
“These videos are shocking and disturbing and I advise all to take appropriate care before choosing to watch them,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
The videos show Brooks, handcuffed and seated on a medical examination table, being repeatedly punched in the face and groin by multiple officers. One officer is seen striking Brooks in the chest with a shoe, while another lifts him by the neck and drops him back onto the table. Despite Brooks becoming unresponsive, the officers continue their assault, removing his shirt and pants as he lies motionless and bloodied.
Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the termination of the corrections officers who were involved in his fatal attack.
“Like all New Yorkers, I was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing of Robert Brooks. I have been clear that it is the responsibility of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility,” Hochul said in a statement. “That is why I ordered an immediate and full investigation into the death of Robert Brooks and further directed DOCCS Commissioner Martuscello to begin the termination process for the 14 individuals who were involved in his fatal attack.”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says the incident was beyond horrific. “My heart goes out to Mr. Brooks’ family and friends, and I call on all of Rochester to keep them in your prayers as they process this terrible incident,” Evans said in a statement.
“Those responsible for this appalling act must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the steps taken by Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Leticia James thus far to investigate this incident with full transparency, and I expect justice will be served expeditiously."
State lawmakers from outside Rochester also weighed in.
“Mr. Brooks was convicted and serving time for his crime, but beating, torture and death were not part of his sentence,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heasty said in a statement. “Justice demands accountability for each and every individual involved in the brutalization of Mr. Brooks as well as those who stood by and allowed this abomination to happen. And to Mr. Brooks family, I extend my deepest condolences as they face this unconscionable tragedy.”
Advocacy groups, including the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the Correctional Association of New York, have joined lawmakers in calling for a federal investigation. “The conditions in New York’s prisons are a longstanding crisis,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU. “The death of Mr. Brooks underscores the urgent need for independent oversight and systemic change.”
Brooks’ family has retained legal representation and is reportedly considering civil action.
Brooks’ death comes amid a broader national conversation about conditions in correctional facilities and the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Lawmakers across New York state have pledged to revisit criminal justice reform legislation in the upcoming legislative session, with Brooks’ case likely to serve as a key catalyst for change.
According to the Associated Press, preliminary findings from a medical examination indicate Brooks died from “asphyxia due to compression of the neck, as well as the death being due to actions of another.”
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