Attorneys representing Messiah Nantwi’s property filed a federal lawsuit on June 17 towards correctional officers implicated for the younger Harlemite’s demise at Mid-State Correctional Facility. The lawsuit additionally named Division of Corrections and Group Supervision commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III. as a defendant.
Nantwi died from head trauma this March at age 22 after the guards allegedly stormed into his cell, handcuffed him and “viciously punched, kicked and stomped” him repeatedly in a gang assault. Ten workers members face felony prices, with two dealing with second-degree homicide. The officers are additionally accused of a cover-up try after the beating.
“The lack of my son Messiah is a ache no dad or mum ought to ever endure,” mentioned Messiah’s father, Patterson Nantwi, in an announcement. “He was beloved by many, and he deserved to be handled with dignity and respect — not brutally crushed whereas handcuffed and defenseless by these whose job it was to guard him. I need justice for Messiah by holding these accountable accountable and guaranteeing that no different household suffers this type of tragedy, and this lawsuit is part of that combat.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Martuscello each condemned the killing days after Nantwi’s demise. The incident coincided with an unlawful strike throughout state prisons. Hochul referred to as the conduct described within the preliminary stories as “extraordinarily disturbing.” She later recommended particular Particular Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick for charging the officers allegedly concerned.
“Governor Hochul has publicly acknowledged the brutal killing of Messiah Nantwi and the necessity to maintain these accountable accountable,” mentioned Owen Lamb, counsel for the plaintiff in an announcement. “This lawsuit is a part of that effort to safe the household the solutions and justice they deserve.”
Nantwi stays linked with Robert Brooks, who corrections officers beat to demise lower than three months prior. Jail watchdog Correctional Affiliation of New York (CANY) visited Mid-State a month after Brooks’ demise and reported “critical considerations about operational failures at Mid-State.”
New York County Public Administrator Dahlia Damas at present handles Nantwi’s property and can function the lawsuit’s plaintiff. Her counsel contains Lamb and attorneys from Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, the civil rights regulation agency identified for corrections-related lawsuits like Nunez which not too long ago led to a federal decide putting Rikers Island below receivership.
