Authorities have charged 10 guards working at New York Prison in connection with an incident where an inmate was beaten to death. Two of those guards face murder charges.
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According to CNN, prison guards allegedly beat a 22-year-old inmate, Messiah Nantwi, so severely that he was hospitalized. He died on March 1 "due to massive head trauma and numerous other injuries to his body," per the indictment. It happened during a prison strike when National Guard members came to assist the prison.
Two guards, Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair, face second-degree murder charges. The pair reportedly entered Nantwi's room to assist National Guard members with an "unknown issue." The indictment reportedly says the duo "began beating Messiah Nantwi, including multiple strikes to his body and head with their boots." Nantwi was apparently unarmed and had his hands raised when guards entered his quarters. The guards tried to handcuff the inmate, which he protested, as he reportedly believed he was restrained for no reason.
The indictment reportedly states that Nantwi grabbed Corrections Officer Joshua Bartlett's vest "and was immediately assaulted by the defendants."
The severity of the attack increased after Nantwi bit two people on their hands. He was allegedly unresponsive after the attack, and guards transported him from the room to the prison infirmary. Nantwi was assaulted a second time in a stairwell and was "dumped in a holding cell at the infirmary, and further assaulted by Blair, per the indictment.
Governor Kathy Hochul Calls The Incident "Deeply Disturbing"
According to the New York Post, Governor Kathy Hochul described the incident as a "horrific crime," adding, "The tragic death of Mr. Nantwi at the hands of correction officers who are responsible for protecting the incarcerated population is deeply, deeply disturbing." Court documents reportedly say that the guards had "no legitimate reason" to assault Nantwi. Leaving him unattended in the infirmary for several minutes after the attack "demonstrated depraved indifference" and ultimately caused his death.
ABC News explains that Levi and Blair also face five charges of first-degree manslaughter, first and second-degree gang assault, and conspiracy and intent to defraud. The pair, along with the other eight guards, were reportedly arranged at a hearing on Wednesday. All ten prison workers have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Hochul said that several new policies were implemented at the prison after the incident, including increased bodycam usage.
