Robert Brooks
Robert Brooks, 43, died on December 9, 2024, after correctional officers beat him in the infirmary at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County, New York. He was taken to a hospital in Utica and died the next day. Prosecutors say the beating happened while he was handcuffed, and body-worn camera footage captured it; several officers have pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and others have been tried or are awaiting trial. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide, citing asphyxia from neck compression, and his family has filed a civil lawsuit, which New York agreed in 2026 to settle for $24 million. His son, Robert Brooks Jr., said he hoped the officers would publicly admit what they had done.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff. Authorities and prosecutors say correctional officers beat Robert Brooks in the Marcy Correctional Facility infirmary, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Reported by: Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); New York State Office of the Attorney General, Office of Special Investigation (outside investigators); Oneida County Court (court); New York Attorney General Letitia James's office (outside investigators); Corrections Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III (the agency that held him); family's lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His family sued and New York agreed in 2026 to pay $24 million to settle their federal and state civil claims.
News reports (9)
- New York Attorney General, Office of Special Investigation data tables
- UPDATED: State: 'Use of force' leads to inmate killed at Marcy prison
- Was the death of an inmate foretold?
- 10th N.Y. CO charged in death of inmate Robert Brooks
- Four guards plead guilty in brutal beating death of Black inmate at upstate New York prison
- 4 guards plead guilty in brutal beating death of Black inmate at NY prison
- 'Today we get justice': Four Marcy COs sentenced to prison in death of inmate Robert Brooks
- Citing safety concerns, former Marcy Sgt. Trombly sentenced to county jail in Brooks beating case
- New York Reaches $24 Million Settlement After Robert Brooks Prison Death - Ben Crump