Ten Corrections Officers Charged in Brutal Death of Inmate Robert Brooks
In a shocking turn of events, 10 corrections officers now face serious charges following the fatal assault of inmate Robert Brooks at a New York State prison. Brooks, 43, who was handcuffed and transferred to the Marcy Correctional Facility on December 9, 2024, was attacked en route to a medical checkup, with bodycam footage later showing a 10‑minute beating that left him fatally injured.
Prosecutors allege that officers, including Nicholas Anzalone, David Kingsley, Anthony Farina, Christopher Walrath, Mathew Galliher, and others—whose name remains redacted—are responsible for second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in Brooks’ death. Additional charges include second-degree gang assault for Galliher and filing a false report for Anzalone. Three more officers, Michael Mashaw, Michael Fisher, and David Walters, face charges of second-degree manslaughter, while Nicholas Gentile is charged with tampering with physical evidence after allegedly cleaning Brooks’ bloodstains.
Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident, stating, “Robert Brooks should be alive today,” and emphasized the urgent need for accountability. Brooks’ son called the charges a critical step toward justice, insisting that the perpetrators must be fully prosecuted, even though he warned that justice alone will not repair the lasting harm done.
According to court documents, Brooks was assaulted twice on his way to the prison infirmary. Once there, he was restrained, choked, and brutally beaten by several officers, actions described as completely lacking any legitimate law enforcement purpose. The assault continued despite minimal resistance from Brooks. Authorities also report that some officers failed to intervene, with one even instructing a nurse not to enter the emergency room.
Brooks’ death was ultimately caused by multiple blunt force injuries and neck compression. At the time of his passing, he was serving a 12-year sentence after pleading guilty to a stabbing incident involving a former girlfriend.
A verdict from the jury, combined with disturbing bodycam footage, underscores the systemic issues plaguing the institution. The case marks a significant moment in efforts to reform prison operations and ensure accountability in the correctional system.
