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ALBANY – In a dramatic courtroom decision, an upstate corrections officer has been found guilty of murder in the brutal, on-camera beating of an inmate that occurred in 2024. Meanwhile, two other prison staff members were acquitted of the same charges.
The jury convicted David Kingsley of both murder and manslaughter for his role in the death of Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. This verdict comes after several other individuals involved in the case had previously admitted to manslaughter charges.
On the other hand, Correction Officers Mathew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer were found not guilty of the same murder and manslaughter charges, as well as gang assault related to the deadly incident on December 9, 2024.
Footage from the incident showed Brooks, aged 43, handcuffed and brutally attacked by at least three corrections officers in an examination room. The assault involved punching, kicking, and stomping, leading to Brooks’ death the following day due to his injuries.
This case has sent shockwaves through the state’s prison system, especially after the February indictment of the correction officers. It also preceded a large-scale wildcat strike where thousands of corrections officers walked off the job illegally.
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.