A correctional officer admitted guilt Monday in the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks, who died in December following a violent assault at Marcy Correctional Facility that was captured on officers’ body cameras.
Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six officers initially charged with second-degree murder. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing in state court in Utica.
The officers are accused of acting with other correctional officers in conduct that “created a grave risk of death to another person, and thereby caused the death of Robert Brooks,” according to a criminal indictment.
The incident occurred on December 9th at the medium-security prison near Utica. The 43-year-old Brooks, who is from Rochester, was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault. He died December 10th at a Utica hospital.
According to prosecutors, three additional correctional employees were also charged with manslaughter, while another faces charges of evidence tampering. Three more individuals have reached plea deals in connection with the case.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
