New York State Police are investigating the death of an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison, which Governor Kathy Hochul described as “deeply troubling.”
Messiah Nantwi, 22, died at a hospital, according to state police. Reports indicate that Nantwi was allegedly beaten by corrections officers. Eleven staff members have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
“The Commissioner placed 11 staff members involved in the incident on administrative leave pending the results of the investigations which are ongoing,” the state said in a release. The release did not provide details of the incident.
Nantwi’s death follows the death of Robert Brooks, 43, who died in December after an alleged beating by correctional officers at a nearby prison.
Governor Hochul stated that Nantwi’s death is “very much under investigation,” emphasizing the need to “get to the bottom of this and find out what happened.”
Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III called Nantwi’s death a “tragedy,” confirming that an independent investigation has been launched.
State police were notified of Nantwi’s death on Saturday. The agency said the “circumstances surrounding his death are part of an ongoing investigation.”
The state corrections department confirmed the death, stating that “any death that appears to be from other than natural causes” is investigated by multiple agencies.
The Attorney General’s office confirmed they are conducting a preliminary assessment.
The Legal Aid Society called for the release of camera footage and information, highlighting a “culture of staff violence” in New York prisons.
Nantwi was serving a sentence for a weapons charge and was facing murder charges in a separate case.
Stan Germán of New York County Defender Services described Nantwi as a “victim” of the corrections department, highlighting the need for “basic human dignity and safety” for inmates.
Nantwi’s death comes after six prison workers were indicted for murder in the death of Robert Brooks, who was beaten while handcuffed.
