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Fifteen staff members at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy have been placed on administrative leave following the death of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the decision after reports suggested "extremely disturbing conduct" may have contributed to Nantwi's death. The incident is under investigation by the New York State Police and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
Nantwi, who was awaiting trial for two separate murder charges, died at Wynn Hospital in Utica. His death comes shortly after six officers were charged with murder in the December death of Robert Brooks at the nearby Marcy Correctional Facility. The deaths have sparked calls for reform, with Governor Hochul highlighting the need for systemic changes in the state's prison system, such as the use of body-worn cameras and expanded whistleblower hotlines.
The New York Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have expressed concern over the recent deaths, urging transparency and accountability. The ongoing strike by correctional officers, protesting staffing and working conditions, has further complicated the situation, with several officers being terminated for missed shifts.
The state attorney general's office has initiated a preliminary assessment of Nantwi's death, and the county medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for responsible behavior within correctional facilities.