UTICA, NY – A scandal is unfolding within the New York State prison system as ten correctional officers face serious criminal charges, including murder, for the death of a young Harlem man. The incident occurred at Mid-State Correctional Facility on March 1, when 22-year-old Messiah Nantwich was allegedly beaten to death by the officers. In a separate but related case, ten other officers are accused of a deadly assault at Marcy Correctional Facility in December.
The indictment against the officers reveals a grim picture of how Nantwich died. According to the special prosecutor, some body camera footage exists, but many officers either did not wear their cameras or deliberately disabled them. During an appearance at the Oneida County Courthouse, all ten officers pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Two officers are facing second-degree murder charges, while five others are charged with manslaughter. Additional charges include gang assault and making false statements to cover up the crime. The indictment describes a brutal beating, with officers allegedly striking Nantwich multiple times on the head and body.
The Onondaga County Medical Examiner determined that Nantwich died from traumatic brain injuries due to violent blows to his head, along with at least 69 other serious injuries. An inmate who witnessed the beating recounted the horror, saying Nantwich pleaded for the officers to stop, insisting he had done nothing wrong.
Further accusations against some officers include falsely claiming Nantwich had a weapon and attempting to clean up the scene to destroy evidence. The incident marks the second death in three months within the state’s prison system, raising concerns about officer conduct and oversight.
In December, body-worn camera footage captured officers at Marcy Correctional Facility brutally beating 43-year-old Robert Brooks. Ten officers involved in that case now face murder and manslaughter charges. Brooks’ father expressed outrage, condemning the officers’ actions as savage and inhumane.
Following the allegations, New York Governor Kathy Hochul labeled the case as tragic and directed the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner to begin termination proceedings for those involved in Nantwich’s death. There are indications that some officers may take plea deals in exchange for cooperating with the investigation.