Former New York prison guard gets 25 years to life for inmate’s fatal beating

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UTICA, N.Y. — A judge sentenced former New York prison guard David Kingsley on Friday to 25 years to life for the beating death of inmate Robert Brooks.

He also received a concurrent 25‑year sentence for first‑degree manslaughter.

Kingsley Convicted in December 2024 Robert Brooks Beating Death

A jury convicted Kingsley in October of murder and manslaughter in the Dec. 2024 assault at Marcy Correctional Facility, located about 180 miles northwest of New York City. He is the only guard convicted of murder in the case, reports the Associated Press.

Body‑Camera Footage of Robert Brooks Beating Death Triggered Outrage

Police body‑camera footage showed guards punching and kicking Brooks, 43, while he remained handcuffed in a medical exam room. The videos, released publicly, sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for prison reform.

Brooks was serving a 12‑year sentence for the reported stabbing of his girlfriend. Officials moved him to Marcy from a nearby lockup the night guards beat him, and records listed his release for next year.

Ten Guards Charged; Outcomes Varied

Ten guards were charged in connection with Brooks’ death. Six pleaded guilty. Two were acquitted. Kingsley, 45, was one of three guards who went to trial and the only one found guilty.

Prosecutors said he deserved the maximum sentence because he refused to accept responsibility and forced a full trial. Kingsley apologized in court and called his actions “senseless.”

Additional Proceedings Continue

Another former guard faces a Jan. 12 trial on a second‑degree manslaughter charge. One guard recently won release while seeking to withdraw a previous guilty plea.