New York Attorney General Letitia James has chosen William Fitzpatrick, an experienced prosecutor, to serve as a special prosecutor in the investigation of Robert Brooks’ death. Brooks, a Black man, tragically lost his life after being assaulted by state corrections officers. To ensure impartiality and avoid any potential conflicts of interest, James made the decision to recuse her office from the case.
Fitzpatrick, the District Attorney of Onondaga County, has been appointed following James’ disclosure that her office represents four of the officers involved in separate legal cases, which could create a conflict of interest. In a video statement, James emphasized that even the mere appearance of a conflict could result in prolonged legal challenges or the dismissal of a potential prosecution.
The beating of Brooks in the video has caused a lot of anger and demands for change. Governor Kathy Hochul was shocked by the attack and took immediate action. She fired 13 corrections officers and a nurse who were involved in the incident. Additionally, a new prison superintendent has been appointed.
According to a report, staff members at a New York City jail obstructed medical personnel, causing a delay in treatment for a 23-year-old woman who tragically passed away.
Hochul wasted no time in urging for immediate action, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She asserted, “The video capturing this appalling assault unequivocally reveals that crimes have been committed, and I firmly believe that preliminary charges can be pressed while we continue to delve deeper into the investigation.”
Fitzpatrick, who has served as the chief prosecutor in the Syracuse area since 1992, has refrained from making any comments regarding the case.
A shocking incident was caught on bodycam footage, revealing the brutal beating to death of a black inmate by prison guards in New York.