Officials have identified the inmate who died last week in a Utica-area state prison as a result of “use of force” by staff members. The incident occurred in Marcy, New York.
According to Thomas Mailey, a spokesperson for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the inmate’s name is Robert L. Brooks, aged 43.
In 2017, Brooks, who hails from Greece in Monroe County, received a 12-year prison sentence for a first-degree assault charge. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported that he was apprehended for stabbing his girlfriend multiple times.
According to a news release from Daniel Martuscello III, the DOCCS commissioner, staff members at the Marcy Correctional Facility used force on Brooks last Monday.
Brooks was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where he ultimately passed away at 3:50 a.m. last Tuesday, according to Mailey.
The department’s Office of Special Investigations is currently investigating the incident, according to Martuscello. The State Police and the state Attorney General’s Office have also been informed.
The spokesperson from the AG’s office stated on Monday that they have initiated a preliminary assessment into the death. State law mandates that the office investigates all deaths caused by the actions or inactions of police officers, peace officers, or corrections officers.
According to Martuscello, the staff members who were involved in the incident have been put on administrative leave while an internal investigation is being carried out.
Marcy Correctional Facility, situated in Oneida County, is a medium-security state prison, approximately seven miles west of Utica. As of December 1, the facility housed 846 inmates, according to records.
Jon Moss, a staff writer, specializes in covering breaking news, crime, and public safety. You can reach him at jmoss@syracuse.com or on Twitter at @mossjon7.