An inmate at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County has died as a result of an incident involving the use of force by staff.
An investigation is currently underway regarding the incident.
The Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community, Daniel Martuscello, revealed that the staff at Marcy used force on December 9th. As a result, the individual involved was taken to a nearby hospital.
The unfortunate news broke on December 10th that they had passed away.
“Given the circumstances of the incident, I ordered an immediate investigation by the Department’s Office of Special Investigations, as well as notifying New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General,” Martuscello said. “As an agency, we take our mandate and obligation to protect our community and all of the individuals in our care extremely seriously. There is no place for, and I will not tolerate, violence in our correctional facilities. In response to this incident, I have placed all staff members involved on administrative leave pending the results of this ongoing investigation.”
In a statement, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual who passed away while in custody at Marcy. She stated that she had been briefed on the matter.
“Based on preliminary information, I have ordered a full investigation of this incident and will ensure anyone found to have violated laws or DOCCS protocols is held accountable,” she wrote. “It is the responsibility of the correctional system to provide appropriate care and protection for those in its custody, and as governor, I will not tolerate anyone who violates that responsibility.”
According to Hochul’s statement, both her office and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision are unable to disclose the details of an ongoing investigation.
Martuscello stated that, as an agency, they will maintain their commitment to transparency by collaborating with law enforcement and internal stakeholders on this issue.