Former New York prison guard sentenced to 25 years to life in inmate's death
Kingsley was the only guard convicted of murder in the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility; prosecutors say he refused responsibility and called for reforms.
A former New York state prison guard was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison for murder in the death of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility, and he also received a 25-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction tied to the same incident.
David Kingsley, 45, was one of three guards tried in October on charges including murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection with Brooks' death. He was the only defendant convicted of murder. The victim, a 43-year-old Black man, died after being pummeled by corrections officers the night of Dec. 9, 2024, at Marcy Correctional Facility. Body-camera footage shown at trial depicted him handcuffed and being punched and stomped as several guards surrounded him.
Six guards were indicted by a grand jury for murder charges earlier this year, and four others were charged with lesser offenses. Three of the murder defendants later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. A final defendant is scheduled to stand trial Jan. 12 on a second-degree manslaughter charge. Another guard was released from prison this month as he seeks to withdraw his guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter.
Prosecutors said Kingsley deserved the maximum penalties because he refused to take responsibility for his actions and forced Brooks’ family to relive the trauma of a trial. In court, Kingsley apologized to Brooks’ relatives for his role in the “senseless” actions that led to the inmate’s death.
The victim’s son, Robert Brooks Jr., said he hopes the case will prevent similar incidents in the future. Brooks’ brother, Jared Ricks, said that while forgiveness may come slowly, justice being served is a step on that path.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, the special prosecutor appointed after state Attorney General Letitia James recused her office, is also prosecuting guards in the fatal beating of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility. Ten guards were indicted in April in that case, including two charged with murder. The prisons are about 180 miles (290 kilometers) northwest of New York City.
This case has intensified calls for reform in New York’s prisons as investigations continue and other legal proceedings unfold.
