A jury has found one correction officer guilty and acquitted two others in the murder of Robert Brooks, according to a statement released by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The case, which involved multiple individuals from the state’s correctional system, has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about safety within New York State’s correctional facilities.
Governor Hochul addressed the outcome, saying: “Today, a jury found one correction officer guilty while acquitting two others in the horrific murder of Robert Brooks. While I am disappointed by the acquittals, I respect the jury’s decision. What happened to Mr. Brooks is unconscionable, and these verdicts serve as another sobering reminder of the needless losses of Mr. Brooks and Messiah Nantwi. That is why I am deeply committed to the changes we are making to ensure that New York State’s correctional facilities are safe for all who enter — employees, the incarcerated, visitors and volunteers alike.”
Hochul emphasized her administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward violence or abuse within state institutions: “I have been clear from the very beginning: We have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law, and engage in violence or abuse. Through the work of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the State Police, and the Onondaga County District Attorney, six of those responsible have already pled guilty and will serve time, along with the individual convicted today.”
She also noted that most correction officers perform their duties under challenging conditions with professionalism: “The vast majority of our correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and the actions of these individuals do not reflect the integrity and professionalism of the correction officers who continue to staff our facilities. Those responsible for reprehensible acts of violence must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and that is exactly what my administration is committed to doing.”
Governor Hochul expressed appreciation for those involved in pursuing justice: “I am grateful to the Onondaga County District Attorney, the New York State Police, the Office of Special Investigations and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the family of Mr. Brooks. My condolences are with his loved ones for the pain they have suffered and the loss they continue to endure. My Administration is committed to ensuring a tragedy like this never happens again.”
