Family of Robert Brooks Announces Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit After Beating at Marcy Correctional Facility

(L to R) Attorney Stephen Schwarz, Robert Brooks Jr (Son), Jarod Ricks (Brother), Attorney Elizabeth Mazur at press conference Wednesday to announce civil lawsuit for the death of Robert Brooks

The family of Robert Brooks, the Greece, NY man who was severely beaten at Marcy Correctional Facility, announced Wednesday that they have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against New York State prison officials and others they hold responsible.

Surrounded by supporters and their legal team, the Brooks family held a press conference at Wednesday to share their account of the events and to publicly demand justice.

Robert Brooks was incarcerated at Marcy Correctional Facility when he was subjected to excessive force by correction officers. Family members claim Brooks was beaten so severely that he suffered serious injuries and subsequently died of those injuries. The family’s legal counsel asserts that these actions amounted to a violation of Brooks’ constitutional rights, prompting them to file a federal civil rights lawsuit.

“We want accountability,” a family spokesperson said during the press conference, streamed live by WHEC. “We want to ensure that no other family endures the heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty we’ve faced. We hope this lawsuit will send a message that brutality against incarcerated individuals will not be tolerated.”

Attorneys representing the Brooks family stressed that the lawsuit aims to shed light on what they describe as a systemic problem within correctional facilities. The complaint reportedly calls for monetary damages and injunctive relief to protect others from similar incidents.

Prison officials have not yet released a detailed statement on the lawsuit. However, in past statements, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has maintained that it investigates all claims of misconduct by correction officers and that any substantiated misconduct results in appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Brooks family and their attorneys emphasized that they will continue to fight for an independent investigation into the alleged incident. They encouraged anyone with information about conditions or conduct at Marcy Correctional Facility to come forward and cooperate with authorities.

As the legal process unfolds, the family says they are hopeful for a swift and just resolution. Additional updates on the lawsuit and any subsequent court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.