FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 30, 2024
Contact: Yonah Zeitz, yonah@katalcenter.org • 347-201-2769
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Savage Killing of Robert Brooks by Correctional Officers at Marcy Correctional Facility Sparks Outrage
Statement from Katal Center
New York, NY: On December 9th, correction officers brutally and violently beat Robert Brooks, 43, at Marcy Correctional Facility, and he died of his injuries on December 10th. The killing of Mr. Brooks by correctional officers may have gotten swept under the rug by authorities, but for the fact that New York State Attorney General Letitia James released video footage of the beating. Today, we joined Families & Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted along with formerly incarcerated people, religious leaders, and grassroots organizations outside of Governor Hochul’s NYC office to demand justice for Robert Brooks.
Statement from Yonah Zeitz, NY Advocacy Director, Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice.
“This heinous and barbaric act of violence by correctional officers is unconscionable. We know this grotesque killing and the violence Mr. Brooks faced from prison guards is not an outlier, as incarcerated people are beaten, abused, and tortured daily in jails and prisons across the state.
Katal members – many of whom are formerly incarcerated or have loved ones currently incarcerated in jails and prisons across the state – have experienced violence and abuse at the hands of correctional officers. We joined the rally today outside Gov. Hochul’s office to condemn this horrific killing and to demand justice for Mr. Brooks
We send our deepest condolences to Robert Brook’s family and loved ones.”
Background: Marcy Correctional Facility has a long and documented history of abuse and excessive violence against incarcerated people by correctional officers. Several of the officers accused of murdering Mr. Brooks are already facing other lawsuits for violating the rights of incarcerated people.
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