Several New York prison guards have been indicted in connection with the death of an inmate last month. Governor Kathy Hochul described the death as "disturbing." The incident occurred during an unauthorized strike by prison officers.
The deceased inmate, Messiah Nantwi, was a prisoner at the Mid-State Correctional Facility. Other inmates reported that Nantwi was severely beaten by several guards before his death on March 1. The state's prisons were in a state of crisis at the time due to the walkout of thousands of prison personnel, which prompted the governor to involve the National Guard.
The governor did not immediately disclose the number of indicted guards or the specific charges. A special prosecutor, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, indicated a significant development in the case would be presented to a judge. Nantwi's family planned to attend the proceedings.
Multiple inmates reported that Nantwi was severely beaten by correctional officers before he died. The New York Attorney General's office stated there was "probable cause to believe" that as many as nine correctional officers were involved in Nantwi's death. Seven officers have resigned, and eleven have been suspended without pay.
Nantwi's death followed the fatal beating of another inmate, Robert Brooks, at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Six guards were charged with murder, three with manslaughter, and one with evidence tampering in Brooks’ death. Their cases are ongoing.
The unauthorized strike by correctional officers began on February 17, with officers protesting working conditions. Incarcerated individuals and advocates reported a decline in services and conditions during the walkout. The strike concluded when many guards returned to work, and the remaining holdouts were fired.
Nantwi had been serving a five-year sentence for a weapons charge. He was also facing charges for the shooting deaths of two individuals in Harlem.
14 Comments
Habibi
How can we call ourselves a just society when we treat incarcerated individuals this way? It’s a vicious cycle and must stop.
ZmeeLove
Before we rush to judgment, let's remember the dangers these guards face every day. We are not always told facts.
Muchacho
Were there external factors or other evidence? Guard often get blamed for every problem at a correctional facility.
Coccinella
I hope the DA is very serious with this investigation. This is another step forward into the safety of the state of New York.
Bermudez
These guards should be facing the same consequences as anyone else who committed murder. Lock them up!
KittyKat
It's easy to point fingers when you aren't in their shoes. Let's hear the guards side the story.
Katchuka
The National Guard should ensure that there is no attempt to cover up to protect these guard. They must protect evidence!
Noir Black
He was in prison for a reason. Maybe he brought it on himself. I don't like criminals.
Eugene Alta
I don't condone the actions of the guards but maybe Messiah was out of control, too. What was he doing?
BuggaBoom
If guards can't handle serving or working in a facility properly, they should be removed. They should have been trained sufficiently.
Loubianka
I'm sure the guards were under a lot of pressure during the strike. There is no information about other inmates.
Matzomaster
Let's wait for all the facts before we start making accusations. We don't know the whole story.
moshiurroney
The media is always quick to paint guards as villains. Can they at least show evidence first?
Noir Black
More scrutiny should be given to the circumstances of how it all happened. We do not know who's at fault right now.