New York man beaten by prison guards has death ruled as a homicide, lawyers say

The attorney for the family of a New York man beaten by prison guards in December 2024 while handcuffed says victim's death has ruled a homicide.

Family attorney Stephen Schwarz made the argument after a medical examiner's report last week that Robert Brooks’ death was connected to impact injuries and compression of the neck, according to The Associated Press.

“I think what this does is rule out any argument that there was some other cause of death other than what we saw on video,” Schwarz said after the report was released. 

Body camera video footage of the incident shows corrections officers beating up Brooks while handcuffed to a medical examination table at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Marcy, New York.

The incident happened Dec. 9, and he was pronounced dead Dec. 10.

New York Attorney General Letitia James appointed a special prosecutor to investigate Brooks' death.

Following Brooks' death, two nurses and a dozen correctional officials were suspended with no pay and one officer quit.