Letitia James Recuses Herself from Upstate Inmate Beating Case

Several days ago, a video surfaced of several guards beating a restrained prisoner in an upstate New York Prison.

The inmate, Robert Brooks, died at a Utica hospital the day after the beating.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office was recusing itself from the case due to the related defense of four of the guards.

She’s Out

The video was quite disturbing to see… You can see the full video, but you have to go to YouTube to watch it due to age restrictions (click here).

Now, we have no idea what led to that point where the prisoner was being beaten, but it is pretty hard to justify beating someone like that when they are restrained at that point.

At one point in that video, it just seemed like the guards were taking random turns beating the man. No matter what happened prior, the optics for the guards are horrific.

Of course, there is also the fact the prisoner ended up dying the next day, allegedly from the beating that he took via those prison guards.

One would think that James’ office would be prosecuting the guards, but it turns out her office will be defending the guards who were charged in the case.

Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick has been appointed to prosecute the case.

James announced, “This decision is not one that was made lightly, but we believe this is the best course of action to protect the integrity of the investigation, and to ensure accountability and justice for Mr. Brooks.”

Governor Hochul added, “Too much time has passed without changes being brought against the individuals responsible.

“The video of this horrific attack demonstrates that crimes clearly were committed, and I believe initial charges can be brought even as more serious charges are considered based on further investigation.”

Brooks was serving a 12-year sentence for stabbing his girlfriend in 2017.