Three former officers from Marcy Correctional Facility will stand trial for the alleged beating death of inmate Robert Brooks, following their rejection of plea deals in Oneida County Court on Tuesday.
Anthony Farina, Nicholas Kieffer, and David Kingsley declined offers that would have reduced their sentences in exchange for guilty pleas. Kieffer was offered 12 years in prison for a gang assault charge, while Farina and Kingsley were each offered 18 years to life for second-degree murder. All three now face up to 25 years to life if convicted at trial.
The charges stem from a December 9 incident captured on bodycam footage, which allegedly shows the assault on Brooks shortly after his transfer from Mohawk Correctional Facility. Brooks, originally from Rochester, died the following day from his injuries.
In total, 10 officers have been offered plea deals for their alleged roles. Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six officers initially charged with second-degree murder. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing in state court in Utica.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
