UTICA, NY – The New York State prison system is under intense scrutiny as ten correctional officers stand accused of murder and other charges in the brutal beating death of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwich from Harlem. The incident occurred at Mid-State Correctional Facility last month. Another ten officers face charges in connection with a separate assault that took place in December at Marcy Correctional Facility, also caught on video.
In a series of shocking revelations, the indictment describes the horrific circumstances of Nantwich’s death. According to the special prosecutor, while some body camera footage exists, many officers either failed to wear their cameras or deliberately disabled them, raising serious questions about accountability.
During a recent court session at the Oneida County Courthouse, the accused officers appeared in handcuffs to face charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, gang assault, and making false statements. Two officers are primarily charged with second-degree murder, with their bail set at $100,000 each. The indictment alleges that the officers repeatedly struck Nantwich with their boots, causing severe traumatic brain injuries and numerous other injuries.
An inmate who witnessed the assault described a chaotic scene, claiming the officers entered the room aggressively and began attacking Nantwich, who pleaded for them to stop. Some officers allegedly fabricated claims that Nantwich was armed and attempted to clean up the crime scene to destroy evidence.
This case marks the second fatality within New York state prisons in three months. Investigators have obtained footage from body cameras, unbeknownst to the officers, showing a vicious assault on 43-year-old Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility. Ten officers are facing charges of murder and manslaughter in Brooks’ case.
The father of Robert Brooks expressed his outrage, condemning the actions of the officers and calling them “sick” and “savage.” Similarly, Nantwich’s maternal aunt, who played a significant role in his upbringing, demanded justice, urging for severe punishment for the officers involved.
Governor Kathy Hochul labeled the case as tragic and announced that she has instructed the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martin to initiate termination proceedings against those implicated in Nantwich’s death. The governor’s statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for systemic change.
There is speculation about potential plea deals, with reports indicating that some officers involved in the Brooks case have been offered plea agreements. Additionally, six officers in the Nantwich case are reportedly cooperating with investigators in exchange for reduced charges.