Ten New York Guards Indicted for Inmate's Fatal Beating

Ten New York prison guards have been indicted in connection with the fatal beating of 22-year-old inmate Messiah Nantwi at the Mid-State Correctional Facility, with two guards charged with second-degree murder and others facing manslaughter and cover-up charges. The indictment alleges that Nantwi, who was unarmed and protested being handcuffed, was repeatedly assaulted by guards—first in his room, then in the infirmary, and again after becoming unresponsive, ultimately suffering massive head trauma and other injuries that led to his death. Three officers are also accused of attempting to plant a weapon and filing false reports to conceal their actions. This case follows a recent, similar incident at the nearby Marcy Correctional Facility, where six guards were charged with murder in the death of Robert Brooks, raising broader concerns about systemic violence and accountability in New York's prisons. The indictments come amid heightened tension in state prisons following a wildcat strike by correctional officers that disrupted conditions and services. Governor Kathy Hochul described Nantwi's death as a 'horrific crime' and emphasized the need for justice and reform.