Jury Selected for Trial of Three Ex-Marcy Correction Officers Accused in Inmate Robert Brooks Murder

Jury selection has concluded for the trial of three former corrections officers, David Kingsley, Nicholas Kieffer, and Matthew Galliher, accused of the murder of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility. The defendants face charges related to the December 2024 beating death of Brooks, who died following injuries sustained during his transfer to Marcy, with bodycam footage showing officers punching and choking him. Ten officers were charged in total, six of whom accepted plea deals, while the three on trial rejected offers and pleaded not guilty, facing possible life sentences. The trial is set to begin with opening statements and is expected to last two to three weeks, with cameras allowed only for opening and closing statements. The case has sparked public outrage and calls for reform in New York’s criminal justice system, including support for legislation to reduce sentences and promote rehabilitation. Another former officer, Michael Fisher, charged with manslaughter, will face a separate trial starting in January 2025.