On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the following correctional officers were reportedly charged in connection to the death of Robert Brooks:
- Nicholas Anazalone: Second-regree Murder, First-degree Manslaughter, First-Degree Offering A False Instrument For Filing
- Anthony Farina: Second-Degree Murder And First-Degree Manslaughter
- Michael Fisher: Second-Degree Manslaughter
- Mathew Galliher: Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Manslaughter, Second-Degree Gang Assault
- Nicholas Gentile: Tampering with Physical Evidence
- David Kingsley II: Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Manslaughter
- Michael Mashaw: Second-Degree Manslaughter
- Christopher Walrath: Second-degree Murder, First-Degree Manslaughter
- David Walters: Second-Degree Manslaughter
On December 9, 2024, Robert Brooks was transported from Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, New York, to Marcy Correctional Facility in Marcy, New York. While at the infirmary of Marcy Correctional Facility, Brooks was restrained and video footage shows him “beaten, choked, gagged, forcibly moved and kicked, all with minimal resistance” by correctional officers. Hours later, Brooks died. An autopsy conducted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined it was a homicide and found Brooks died due to compression of the neck and multiple blunt impact injuries.
“Robert Brooks should be alive today. The brutal attack on Mr. Brooks was sickening, and I immediately moved to terminate the employment of those involved. Now, the perpetrators have been rightfully charged with murder and State Police are making arrests,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This incident is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing our correctional system. I’ve worked with Commissioner Martuscello on safety reforms, including installing new security cameras, strengthening the Office of Special Investigations and increasing compensation for our hard-working correction officers.”
