15 now on leave after inmate death at Mid-State prison
MARCY, N.Y. (WROC) — 15 people are now on leave after a 22-year-old inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility died this past weekend, according to a statement sent out by Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday.
Staff on leave as 22-year-old inmate's death probed
Messiah Nantwi died at the prison in Marcy, outside of Utica, on Saturday. Mid-State is near the Marcy Correctional Facility, where Robert Brooks, a man serving time for a Monroe County assault, died after he was beaten as an inmate there. Ten Marcy Correctional COs have since been indicted by a grand jury, and Brooks' death was ruled a homicide.
'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,' Governor Hochul stated.
Nantwi was serving a five-year sentence for a weapons-related conviction in the Bronx, prison records showed. While it's still unclear what led up to his death, inmates reportedly told the New York Times he was beaten.
'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,' Hochul announced. '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.'
Monday, it was initially announced that 11 staff members of the prison were placed on leave. It was not specified what their positions were.
DOCCS will terminate health insurance for 'AWOL' correction officers
The death came as prison strikes entered a second week. Correctional Officers at nearly all New York prisons were on strike, even after a deal had been struck with intentions to end the strikes, calling for safer work conditions and for the Halt Act to be repealed. It's important to note that Mid-State Correctional Facility was not on the list of prisons actively striking.
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