Release of Body Cam Footage in Robert Brooks' Alleged Fatal Assault by Correction Officers

Footage captured from body cameras worn by several correction officers involved in the alleged assault of inmate Robert Brooks has been made public by the New York state's attorney general's office. The incident, which took place on December 9, resulted in Brooks' death and has led to the suspension of fourteen corrections department employees, comprising two sergeants, ten correction officers, and a nurse, while investigations into the case are ongoing.

The released videos corroborate details from recent court documents filed by state police, confirming that Brooks was restrained in handcuffs during the assault. Letitia James, the state attorney general, expressed her reluctance to release the footage, noting the timing during the holiday season; however, she emphasized the necessity of providing transparency to Brooks’ family and all New Yorkers.

The body camera footage reveals a disturbing scene where Brooks is seen with blood on his face just two minutes into the incident, which began when he was beaten by correction officers at the Marcy correctional facility in Oneida County. It was reported that Brooks succumbed to his injuries the following day at a hospital in Utica, and investigators, including Ryan Paparella, a former correction officer now overseeing the inquiry, stated there was no clear motive for the attack witnessed by multiple officers and nurses who did not intercede.

With public protests anticipated following the video's release, it shows officers surrounding a bloodied Brooks, with one officer observed removing his shoes before delivering multiple strikes. Throughout the sustained assault, Brooks appeared disoriented, and there were instances where officers applied physical force to his chest, while others seemed to try to revive him. Additionally, there were indications of brutality as one officer was noted to have punched Brooks and stomped on his groin area while he remained restrained.

As the footage continues, two nurses are seen observing the violent encounter and later called into the room to check Brooks’ vital signs. Reports from a medical examiner suggest that Brooks sustained serious injuries leading to his death, potentially due to asphyxia caused by neck compression. The New York Civil Liberties Union issued a statement condemning the incident as indicative of a systemic culture of violence among corrections officers, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice for those in custody.