New York Officer Confesses to Cleaning Crime Scene Following Inmate Robert Brooks’ Fatal Beating

A correctional officer has admitted to cleaning the scene of a brutal inmate beating at a prison in upstate New York, an act that he acknowledged was intended to conceal evidence. Nicholas Gentile, 36, is one of ten officers indicted in connection with the death of Robert Brooks, who succumbed to his injuries on December 9, 2022.

Brooks, 43, died a day after being subjected to a severe physical assault by multiple officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility, where he was allegedly punched, kicked, choked, and manhandled while handcuffed to a medical examination table. Investigations by medical examiners concluded that Brooks’s death resulted from compression of the neck along with multiple blunt force injuries.

In February 2023, six of the correctional officers involved were indicted on charges of second-degree murder, while four others faced lesser charges. The gravity of the incident prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to take immediate action, terminating the employment of those involved and expressing her outrage over the assault. She characterized the act as “sickening,” affirming her commitment to holding responsible parties accountable.

In a recent court appearance, Gentile admitted to deliberately cleaning the blood of the victim post-assault, neglecting to report the incident to authorities. As part of a plea agreement, Gentile has accepted a one-year conditional discharge and will resign from the New York State Department of Corrections, waiving his right to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, three former Marcy Correctional officers—Nicholas Kieffer, Anthony Farina, and David Kingsley—who were also indicted in Brooks’ death opted to reject their plea offers and are set to proceed to trial, with their next court date scheduled for June 3, 2024.

In a related development, Christopher Walrath, another officer implicated in the case, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter last week. He is currently awaiting sentencing, which is set for August 4, and is facing the possibility of up to 15 years in state prison.

This case highlights serious concerns regarding the treatment of inmates, the accountability of correctional officers, and the need for systemic reform within the prison system. The ongoing trials and indictments serve as a pivotal moment in addressing the issue of violence in correctional facilities and ensuring justice for victims of such egregious misconduct.

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