New York Attorney General Recuses Herself from Investigation into Inmate’s Death, Appoints Special Prosecutor
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Thursday that her office would withdraw from the investigation into the fatal beating of Robert L. Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility.
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, James has appointed Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick to lead the case as special prosecutor.
James explained the recusal decision in a video statement, noting that her office is currently defending four of the 13 corrections officers implicated in Brooks’s death in unrelated legal matters.
“We determined that recusal was necessary to prevent any appearance of a conflict of interest, which could jeopardize the integrity of a potential prosecution,” James stated.
Brooks, 43, died on December 10, 2023, hours after being attacked while handcuffed and shackled. Disturbing footage released by James’s office shows corrections officers appearing to choke Brooks and handle him violently.
Preliminary findings from the medical examiner suggest asphyxia due to neck compression as a possible cause of death.
The family of Brooks expressed hope for justice after meeting with Fitzpatrick’s office. “The family looks forward to seeing the D.A. press forward with the investigation,” said their attorney, Elizabeth Mazur.
The incident has prompted multiple investigations, including those by the State Police, the Department of Corrections’ Office of Special Investigations, the FBI, and the New York Commission of Correction.
Governor Kathy Hochul has called for swift prosecution, stating, “Too much time has passed without charges against those responsible.”
In response to the incident, Hochul has replaced the superintendent at Marcy Correctional Facility and directed the dismissal process for the 13 staff members involved. One officer has resigned, and the rest have been suspended without pay.
The case has drawn attention to allegations of systemic abuse at the facility. Several of the implicated officers face lawsuits accusing them of prior assaults on inmates.
For example, Officer Nicholas Anzalone is accused in one lawsuit of beating an inmate in a bathroom, while Officer Robert Kessler allegedly broke another inmate’s arm during an attack.
Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for assaulting a former girlfriend. His death underscores ongoing concerns about violence and accountability within New York’s prison system. Critics, including Jennifer Scaife of the Correctional Association of New York, have questioned whether the attorney general’s dual role in representing state employees and investigating such incidents could hinder justice in the future.
As the investigation progresses, calls for reform and accountability grow louder, emphasizing the need for a transparent and impartial process.
