Robert Brooks family files federal lawsuit against prison killers

The family of Robert Brooks, a 49-year-old man beaten to death by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit seeking justice for his death and systemic changes in the prison system.

Source: Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers/Getty

At a press conference in Rochester, New York, Brooks' family, along with their legal team, shared moving stories of their loss and demanded accountability for the 17 people they accuse to be responsible for his death.

“We will not allow his death to be in vain”

On WKTV, Robert Brooks Jr., the son of the late Robert Brooks, gave a heartbreaking statement about the unimaginable pain his family is enduring.

“Today, my family is going through unimaginable suffering. The murder of my father by people who were supposed to keep him safe,” Brooks Jr. said.

Brooks Jr. also spoke about the devastating moment he first saw the body camera footage of his father's death.

“I felt helpless, like I was there with him, and I couldn't do anything. I don’t wish this nightmare on anyone,” Brooks Jr. said.

On WKTV, Brooks Jr. described his father as “a neighborhood hero” and “everyone's favorite uncle” who was passionate about creating music and writing short stories. He remembers how his father's passion inspired him.

“I will continue his legacy. And I will make him proud by making my music.

Despite this crushing loss, Brooks Jr. vowed that his family's fight for justice would not waver.

“This pain must lead to justice for my father and for our family, and we will not stop fighting until we get it,” Brooks Jr. said.

“Torture and murder”: trial reveals disturbing details

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, accuses correctional officers of using excessive force, showing deliberate indifference to medical needs and having committed a wrongful death.

According to WKTV, attorney Elizabeth Mazur of Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick & Dym described the events of December 9, 2024 as “torture and murder.”

Writing in the Observer-Dispatch, Mazur also highlighted the shocking evidence captured on video.

“Unbeknownst to Robert’s killers, body-worn cameras passively recorded much of the attack on video,” Mazur said.

Mazur explained the importance of the images.

“While the video of Robert's murder is extremely difficult to watch, it reflects the violence and abuse that Marcy prisoners routinely face. This shows what Marcy's correctional officers will do when they believe no one is watching.

Brother's Bond: “Big Bro, We Love You”

On WKTV, Brooks' brother Jared Ricks shared his memories of their close relationship and the devastation of his loss.

“Robert Brooks was my older brother and my only brother,” Ricks said. He described their bond by saying, “My brother was my guardian angel before he got his wings. »

Ricks spoke about their shared passion for music and the strong influence his brother had on him growing up.

“Personally, I wanted to walk like him, talk like him, dress like him,” Ricks said.

Despite his grief, Ricks remains determined to fight for justice.

“We are going to use our agony to fight for justice so that no one has to watch devastating clips 30 minutes at a time or experience the plethora of emotions that I have experienced in the last month,” Ricks said.

Lawyers demand accountability and change

Source: Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers/Getty

On WKTV, attorney Steve Schwarz of Faraci Lange LLP explained the legal strategy.

“Today, we filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York against 17 defendants who are directly or indirectly involved in the brutal beating of Robert and his death. »

Schwarz acknowledged the limits of federal law.

“Because New York enjoys sovereign immunity and cannot be sued in federal court for civil rights violations or wrongful death, we will soon file a separate action against the State of New York in the Court of Claims of New York,” Schwarz said.

Writing in the Observer-Dispatch, Schwarz highlighted the broader implications of the case.

“This is the first time clear video of abuse in a prison has been recorded, and it could lead to more significant reforms,” Schwarz said.

The fight for justice and reform

Source: Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers/Getty

Lawyers and relatives of the family stressed that this fight is not limited to simple compensation.

On WKTV, Ricks said, “Incarcerated people are human beings. They have rights. They deserve to live without fear that something like this could happen to them.

Brooks Jr. summed up the family's mission.

“The most important thing we want is change. I want the name of Robert L. Brooks to be known forever, for the future, so this never happens again,” Brooks Jr. said.

The tragic death of Robert Brooks sparked a movement for justice and reform, and his family is determined to ensure his story is not forgotten. BOSSIP remains committed to continually updating this story.