Utica, N.Y. — The defense lawyers for three guards on trial for the murder of an inmate last year at a Central New York state prison rested their cases Tuesday afternoon.
The lawyers did not call any witnesses or introduce evidence.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who is a special prosecutor in the case, rested his case earlier Tuesday. Prosecutors called 12 witnesses and introduced dozens of exhibits.
Robert Bauer, the Oneida County Court judge overseeing the case, confirmed with defendants Nicholas Kieffer, David Kingsley and Mathew Galliher that they did not wish to testify in their own defense.
A series of prison guards effectively turned into a gang on the night of Dec. 9, 2024, Fitzpatrick has said. They brutally attacked inmate Robert L. Brooks, he said, showing a depraved indifference toward him that ultimately led to his death.
Galliher, Kieffer and Kingsley, each face top charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Galliher and Kieffer face additional charges.
If found guilty, the officers face a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
The jury is set to begin hearing closings arguments Wednesday morning.
They are only a few of the people charged in the case. Defense lawyers for the three guards have argued their clients were not present for the entire attack on Brooks, did not have an equal role in it or necessarily understood the totality of what was taking place.
A fourth guard is set to stand trial on his own in January. Six other guards have all pleaded guilty.
Multiple corrections officers repeatedly punched and kicked the Brooks in the groin, abdomen and face in the prison infirmary, according to body camera videos that captured the attack. He died hours later at a Utica hospital.
Brooks’ death was ruled a homicide by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner‘s Office. His cause of death was “compression of the neck and multiple blunt-impact injuries,” according to the autopsy report.
Brooks’ autopsy showed he suffered extensive bruising, a broken nose bone and bleeding in his genitals and neck.
More on Robert Brooks murder trial
- Family of Robert Brooks says former corrections officers acquitted of murder were ‘given a pass’
- Prison guard guilty of murder in beating death of inmate Robert Brooks; 2 other guards cleared of all charges
- Jury to resume deliberations in trial of three guards accused of killing Robert Brooks
- Deliberations continue for 3rd day in Robert Brooks murder trial as jury asks to review videos and testimony
- See closing arguments in Robert Brooks murder trial; jury has the case (video)