Governor says early reports show ‘extremely disturbing conduct' leading to inmate's death at Mid-State Correctional Facility
MARCY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The governor says an inmate's death at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County appears to be the result of 'extremely disturbing conduct.'
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Governor says early reports show 'extremely disturbing conduct' leading to inmate's death at Mid-State Correctional Facility
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The governor says, as of Tuesday, March 4, 15 prison workers have been suspended in connection with the death of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi. On Monday, 11 workers had been suspended.
The State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision did not share the circumstances around Nantwi's death, but other inmates at the prison told the New York Times that he was beaten.
The medical examiner will be tasked with determining his cause of death.
The State Attorney General's Office is conducting a 'preliminary review,' and New York State Police are investigating the man's death, as is routine when an inmate's death appears to be from other than natural causes or known medical conditions.
Nantwi was serving a five-year sentence for a weapons-related conviction in the Bronx, prison records show.
Mid-State Correctional Facility is a three-minute drive from Marcy Correctional Facility, where inmate Robert Brooks was killed in December.
'At my direction, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has placed 15 individuals on leave in connection with the death of Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old individual incarcerated at Mid-State Correctional Facility. While the investigation into this incident is ongoing, early reports point to extremely disturbing conduct leading to Mr. Nantwi's death and I am committed to accountability for all involved. The people of New York extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Nantwi's family and loved ones.
'I am grateful to Commissioner Martuscello and DOCCS leadership for taking swift action to respond to this incident. However, this tragedy is a reminder of the need for real systemic change within our correctional system — beginning with the policies I implemented following the murder of Robert Brooks, such as mandating the use of body-worn cameras, expanding whistleblower hotlines and bringing in outside experts for a systemwide culture review.
'As I've said for weeks, my top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers involved in the correctional system, from civilian employees to National Guard to Correction Officers to incarcerated individuals. The ongoing illegal work stoppage is a significant safety risk, and I once again reiterate the need for Correction Officers to return to work. My Administration remains committed to working in good faith with Correction Officers to improve safety and working conditions within the correctional system, but we will not compromise on the need for responsible, law-abiding behavior by every single person who walks into a DOCCS facility.'
– Governor Kathy Hochul (D)
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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