Governor Hochul Responds to Verdict in Robert Brooks’ Murder Case and Advocates for Prison Reform

Governor Hochul Responds to Verdict in Robert Brooks Murder Case, Calls for Systemic Reforms

Albany, NY — New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the recent verdict in the tragic beating death of Robert Brooks, who was killed while incarcerated at Marcy Correctional Facility last December. The case has drawn significant attention, culminating in a jury’s decision on Monday that found David Kingsley guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. However, Mathew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer were acquitted of all charges, including murder and manslaughter.

In a statement following the verdict, Hochul commended Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who served as the special prosecutor for the case. However, she expressed disappointment over the acquittals of Galliher and Kieffer. “I respect the jury’s decision— there was one correction officer found guilty,” she said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Hochul’s remarks took a poignant turn as she reflected on the circumstances surrounding Brooks’ death. “It’s a scale that is just incompressible,” she stated. “I walked in the room where he was murdered, and it’s still hard to remember and think about the depravity that had to go on in that room. Those who witnessed it should know in their hearts that they are guilty.”

The governor also addressed a package of reform bills passed by the state Legislature this spring in Brooks’ honor, which focus on oversight and accountability within the correctional system. While she did not commit to a specific course of action regarding the legislation, she indicated that she would give it considerable attention as the session winds down. “We’re going to be making systemic changes in light of what happened. There is no other alternative,” she asserted.

Despite Hochul’s commitment to reform, activists have voiced concerns about the potential dilution of these measures during negotiations. Many are advocating for more comprehensive changes, including parole and sentencing reforms, which were not included in the current bills.

In response to Brooks’ murder and a recent illegal three-week strike by correction officers, the state has already initiated several reforms. These include the expanded use of surveillance cameras, a change in the minimum age for correction officers from 21 to 18 for certain positions, and the introduction of new mail scanning equipment to enhance security.

An ongoing external review of the state’s prison culture, conducted by the firm WilmerHale, is expected to yield findings later this year, which could further inform future reforms.

As New York grapples with the implications of this case, the call for accountability and systemic change remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding the state’s correctional facilities.