Multiple officers indicted in death of New York inmate, Hochul says

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says multiple prison guards were indicted in relation to the death of an inmate last month amid a correctional worker strike

The inmate, identified as Messiah Nantwi, died after officials say other prisoners witnessed a number of guards beating him

The incident unfolding is state prisons were severely impacted by unauthorized strikes involving thousands of prison workers over the span of nearly a month

in which Hochul ordered the National Guard to staff facilities. Hoke will address the indictments in a short video address Tuesday

The tragic death of Mr. Nantui at the hands of correction officers who are responsible for protecting the incarcerated population is deeply, deeply disturbing

The loss of any life in our correctional facilities is one too many. That does not reflect our values as New Yorkers and his family deserves justice

That's why I've directed my administration to take swift action. An unsealed indictment reveals 10 officers are charged in the beating including two who face murder charges Multiple inmates tell the New York Times Nantui was brutally attacked by prison guards prior to his death New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed in a court filing last month her office has probable cause to believe up to nine guards either caused or were involved in the killing

Officials said Tuesday seven officers resigned following the death and nearly a dozen were put on leave without pay

Nantwi was serving a five-year sentence for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon

in connection with a shootout with police in 2021, entering the prison system in May of last year

New York prosecutors also accused Nantwi of fatally shooting a 19-year-old in April of 2023

as well as a 36-year-old man outside of a smoke shop following an argument

Both shootings occurred in Harlem. As Straight Arrow News previously reported, Nantwi's death comes months after authorities say

prisoner, Robert Brooks, was beaten to death at another prison. A number of officers now face

charges in that case ranging from murder, manslaughter, and tampering with evidence

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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey