New York Correction Officer Admits Role in Fatal Beating of Handcuffed Inmate

A former correction officer pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his involvement in the deadly assault of a restrained inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility. The incident was caught on body camera and led to a wide-ranging criminal investigation.

Christopher Walrath, 36-years-old, entered the plea Monday in a Utica courtroom, admitting responsibility for his part in the December 2023 killing of Robert Brooks. Brooks, 35-years-old, was handcuffed and under guard supervision when he was attacked. The fatal beating, recorded on prison-issued body cameras, triggered a wave of public outcry and legal action against more than a dozen corrections personnel.

Walrath, one of six guards initially indicted on second-degree murder charges, accepted a plea deal for first-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors recommended a 15-year prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4th. Until then, Walrath will remain out on bail.

The attack on Brooks reportedly occurred shortly after he was transferred to the Marcy facility. According to the special prosecutor handling the case, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, Brooks was subjected to multiple assaults over the course of one night, culminating in the final, fatal beating.

During court proceedings, Walrath acknowledged using excessive force, including placing Brooks in a chokehold and striking him multiple times. He also admitted to misleading investigators during the initial inquiry. Walrath has since resigned from his position.

Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for assault, died the day after the incident. Footage from the body-worn cameras shows him lying cuffed on a medical table as officers kicked and lifted him by the neck before dropping him.

A total of 13 officers and one medical staff member were implicated in the assault. Many have either resigned or been suspended without pay as disciplinary actions proceed.

Alongside the six murder charges, additional corrections staff were indicted on lesser offenses including manslaughter and evidence tampering. While Walrath is the first among the murder defendants to accept a plea, prosecutors have indicated that discussions with others are ongoing.

Governor Kathy Hochul replaced the facility's superintendent and directed the dismissal proceedings for over a dozen staff members involved.

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick is also prosecuting another deadly inmate beating case from earlier this year at the nearby Mid-State Correctional Facility where ten more officers — including two facing murder charges — were indicted in connection to the death of Messiah Nantwi.

New York Correction Officer Admits Role in Fatal Beating of Handcuffed Inmate