10 guards charged over the fatal beating of a New York inmate, including 2 with murder
Ten New York prison guards were charged Wednesday in connection with the fatal beating of a 22-year-old prison inmate, including two charged with murder. It's the second time this year a group of correctional officers in the state was indicted for a death behind bars.
Other prisoners say several guards severely beat Messiah Nantwi, a prisoner at the Mid-State Correctional Facility, sending him to a hospital where he died on March 1.
The Utica-area facility was one of many state prisons that was struggling to function during a three-week wildcat strike by guards.
Nantwi's death came several months after Robert Brooks was fatally beaten at the Marcy Correctional Facility, across the street from the Mid-State prison. Six guards have pleaded not guilty to murder charges in Brooks' death and other prison employees have also been charged.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
30-05-2025
- The Independent
Former New York prison guard pleads guilty in connection with inmate's beating death
A former upstate New York prison guard pleaded guilty Friday for his role in what prosecutors called a coverup of the beating death of inmate by fellow guards. Joshua Bartlett entered guilty pleas to hindering prosecution and falsifying records, both felonies, in connection with the March 1 death of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, near Utica. Bartlett appeared for a hearing in Oneida County Court in Utica, where sentencing was set for Aug. 8. Ten correction officers, not including Bartlett, were indicted in connection with the fatal beating. Two of the 10, Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair, are charged with second-degree murder. All 10 have pleaded not guilty. Bartlett is the first guard to plead guilty in connection with the case. Nantwi died from injuries he sustained in a series of beatings by guards that began in his room and continued even when he was lying handcuffed on the floor of the infirmary, the indictment says. Bartlett was accused of helping other guards cover up what happened, including filing a false use-of-force report. Bartlett was beaten after an emergency response team was called to Nantwi's room to help National Guard members who became concerned when he involved himself in another inmate's effort to obtain medication and was resistant during a headcount, according to prosecutors. The National Guard was deployed to Mid-State and other prisons because of an unauthorized, three-week strike by guards who were upset over working conditions. The situation was resolved by the time the response team arrived. Nantwi objected to being handcuffed for no apparent reason and grabbed Bartlett's vest, with several guards immediately raining blows on his head and body using their fists, batons and boots, the indictment said. The attack intensified when Nantwi bit the hands of two guards, prosecutors said. Nantwi became unresponsive and guards transported him toward the infirmary, but he was assaulted a second time in a stairwell, according to prosecutors. Nantwi died several months after Robert Brooks was fatally beaten at the Marcy Correctional Facility near the Mid-State prison. Six guards were charged with second-degree murder in Brooks' Dec. 9 beating. One of those guards pleaded guilty earlier this month to first-degree manslaughter under a plea deal. Another three prison employees were charged with manslaughter in the Brooks case and an another officer pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of attempted tampering with physical evidence. Bartlett was among 18 guards, including the 10 who were indicted, who either resigned or were suspended after Nantwi's death. Prosecutors have said several guards who weren't indicted agreed to cooperate with authorities.
NBC News
30-05-2025
- NBC News
A third person has been arrested in the death of a Super Bowl reporter in New Orleans
A third person was arrested in the death of a Super Bowl reporter in New Orleans, providing fresh evidence of what authorities described Friday as an organized plot to drug and rob people. Police in Kenner, just west of New Orleans, accused Christian Anderson of renting the car used by Danette Colbert, one of two suspects previously charged with second-degree murder, fraud and theft crimes in the Feb. 5 death of Adan Manzano, 27. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has described Colbert, 48, as a "serial fraudster." In a news release, the Kenner Police Department said that Anderson, 33, allegedly provided logistical support and spoke extensively with Colbert after Manzano was found dead in a Kenner hotel. The department also accused Anderson of seeking to benefit from Manzano's stolen assets. Investigators reviewed text messages and digital communications showing that Anderson allegedly 'played an active role in a coordinated pattern of targeting victims, drugging them, and stealing personal property, including phones and financial account access,' the department said. Anderson was arrested on suspicion of simple robbery, purse snatching, access device fraud, illegal transmission of money, bank fraud and computer fraud, the department said. It wasn't immediately clear if he has a lawyer to speak on his behalf. Manzano, a Telemundo reporter, was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl. He was last seen entering his hotel room with Colbert on the morning of Feb. 5, Kenner police officials have said. Authorities have partly blamed Manzano's death on the combined toxic effects of alprazolam, an anti-anxiety drug often sold under the brand name Xanax, and ethanol. It isn't clear how the drug, which Manzano did not have a prescription for, got into his system. A device believed to be Manzano's cellphone was found at Colbert's home, police officials have said, and she allegedly used his credit card at a New Orleans-area store. The third alleged accomplice, Rickey White, 34, was arrested in Florida in March on fraud and theft charges. He was extradited to Louisiana and charged with second-degree murder earlier this month. An attorney for White has denied the charges. Lawyers for Colbert have not responded to requests for comment but have said in court that she should not be judged on her criminal history. Colbert has previously been charged in several other similar fraud cases, some of which included allegations of drugging. In one case, the victim accused her of drugging him, leaving him for dead and stealing tens of thousands of dollars through accounts linked to his iPhone. Colbert was convicted of computer fraud and other charges in October. Despite pleas from the victim, David Butler, that Colbert be given the maximum penalty for what he described in an impact statement as her 'continued disregard for others,' she was sentenced to five years of probation in December, two months before Manzano's death. After NBC News reported on Butler's case, the Louisiana Attorney General Office intervened and sought a tougher penalty for Colbert. Earlier this month, the judge who imposed probation found Colbert to be a 'habitual offender' and sentenced her to 25 years in prison, the prosecutor's office said. 'Danette Colbert will finally be held accountable, and she will no longer be free to continue preying on innocent people,' Butler said afterward. 'I sincerely hope this decision brings some peace to other survivors and helps restore their faith in the justice system.'
Metro
29-05-2025
- Metro
Music icon, 85, sues sexual assault accusers for $500,000,000
Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson has filed legal documents in Los Angeles seeking $500million (£392m) in damages from four former employees who have accused him of sexual assault. The lawsuit, which follows civil allegations brought by the women, was reported by which claims to have reviewed the legal filings submitted by Robinson's legal team. According to the publication Robinson, 85, and his wife Frances assert in the court documents that they consistently treated their household staff with respect and generosity. In the filings, Robinson strongly denies all allegations of sexual misconduct and claims that the plaintiffs were treated as 'extended family.' The documents reportedly outline various acts of kindness and support the couple extended to the women during their employment, including gifts such as concert tickets, vehicles, financial help for dental emergencies, and more. As part of the defense, Robinson submitted evidence intended to demonstrate the friendly nature of his relationship with the plaintiffs. One example cited in the documents is his attendance at the graduation dinner of a plaintiff's child and the gifting of a vacation. The Daily Mail also reports that Robinson's legal team submitted text messages sent by the plaintiffs, including messages such as 'Love you,' 'Happy birthday… God bless you,' and invitations to personal events. The countersuit reportedly includes claims of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, financial elder abuse, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy. Robinson is also asking the court to publicly identify the plaintiffs, arguing that media outlets have already begun reporting on the case, making anonymity impractical and unfair. As of now, no criminal charges have been reported, and the case remains a civil matter. The four former employees alleged repeated sexual assault and harassment at his Los Angeles-area home and other locations, including Las Vegas. The women, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe 1 through 4, also name Robinson's wife, Frances, as a defendant, accusing her of creating a hostile work environment and failing to intervene despite alleged prior knowledge of her husband's behavior. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and at least $50 million in damages (approximately £40 million). In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the couple's attorney, Christopher Frost, called the claims 'vile' and 'false,' describing the suit as 'an ugly method of trying to extract money.' He added that the defense plans to file a motion to dismiss based on inconsistencies and timeline issues in the complaint. According to the suit, the alleged assaults span from 2007 to 2024 and include claims of rape, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and failure to pay minimum wage. The women allege a pattern of predatory behavior and emotional abuse, claiming Robinson used his position to isolate and exploit them. More Trending The lawsuit also accuses Frances Robinson of verbal abuse and the use of 'ethnically pejorative language,' contributing to what the plaintiffs describe as a toxic work environment. A news conference addressing the lawsuit was scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to Variety. Smokey Robinson, a central figure in the rise of Motown, is known for hits like Cruisin' and Tracks of My Tears, and has received numerous honors including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Sydney Sweeney is literally selling her dirty bathwater MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs made PA 'clean up period blood' after wild freak offs MORE: 'I saw Beyoncé in a downpour and I'd pay more to see it again in the rain'
