NY Prison Guards Accused of Murder and Cover-Up During Strike

Allegations Against 10 Prison Guards

• 10 New York prison guards are accused of beating an inmate, 22-year-old Messiah Nanui, to death at the Midstate Correctional Facility in March.
• The indictment includes charges of murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, and gang assault in the first degree.
• Six guards allegedly assaulted Nanui, kicking and stomping on his head without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, even after he raised his hands and showed no weapon.

Cover-Up Conspiracy

• The remaining four guards are accused of participating in a cover-up, agreeing to a false narrative that their actions were proper.
• Prosecutors allege the suspects falsely claimed a makeshift knife was found in Nanui's room after his death.
• Body camera footage from a men's room at the infirmary reportedly captured two guards discussing the plan to plant the weapon.

Context of Prison Strike and National Guard

• The incident occurred during a prison guard strike at facilities across the state, focused on safety and staffing concerns.
• Advocates claimed prison conditions deteriorated during the strike, leading Governor Hokll to deploy National Guard troops.
• The indictment suggests the National Guard troops had minimal training for handling inmates.

Governor's Response and Plea

• Governor Hokll directed the corrections department to terminate all involved guards.
• New policies are being implemented, including expanded body camera use and a systemwide culture study by experts.
• All 10 suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges.