Three Former Marcy COs Reject Plea Deals in Inmate Beating Death Case

Three former correctional officers—Nicholas Kieffer, Anthony Farina, and David Kingsley—have rejected plea deals related to the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility last December and will proceed to trial. They face serious charges including second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, with potential sentences ranging from 25 years to life in state prison if convicted. Plea offers included 12 years for gang assault for Kieffer and up to 18 years to life for Farina and Kingsley, but all declined these deals despite warnings from the judge about losing favorable offers. The assault, captured on body camera footage, showed multiple officers punching, kicking, and holding down Brooks, who died the day after the incident from injuries to his head, neck, and chest. In total, ten corrections officers have been charged in connection with the case, with one officer, Christopher Walrath, already pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Brooks’ family has actively sought justice through rallies and a federal civil lawsuit. The three officers are scheduled to return to court on June 3 for motions ahead of their trial.