ALBANY – An upstate corrections officer was convicted of murder in the vicious caught-on-camera beating death of an inmate in 2024 – as two other prison workers were acquitted on the same charges,
A jury found David Kingsley guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility, months after several others pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case.
Fellow Correction Officer Mathew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer were acquitted on the same counts and charges of gang assault in the fatal clash from Dec. 9, 2024.
Video of the attack showed 43-year-old Brooks handcuffed as he’s mercilessly punched, kicked and stomped by at least three correction officers in an examination room. He died the next day from his injuries.
The case rocked the state prison system with a February indictment of the COs coming ahead of aa massive wildcat strike that saw thousands of corrections officers illegally walk off the job.
Brooks’ death spurred an effort from state lawmakers to install cameras in prison infirmaries and other measures.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has yet to sign that legislation, and reporting from Gothamist last week said she is trying to water down the package.
“It’s hard to remember or think about the depravity that had to go on in that room and those who witnessed it should know in their hearts that they’re guilty,” Hochul said, adding that she was “disappointed” by the acquittals.
The case was prosecuted by Onondaga District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who was appointed as a special prosecutor after Attorney General Letitia James recused herself from prosecuting the state employees.
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