A former New York state prison guard has been handed a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for murder, following his conviction for the brutal beating of an inmate that was captured on body-camera footage. David Kingsley was sentenced on Friday, 19 December 2025.
A Fatal Assault Captured on Camera
David Kingsley, 45, is the only former guard convicted of murder in the death of 43-year-old Robert Brooks. The fatal incident occurred on the night of 9 December 2024 at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Brooks, a Black man who was handcuffed at the time, was punched and stomped by a group of corrections officers.
The graphic video evidence played at trial proved pivotal. It showed Kingsley holding Brooks by the neck and lifting him while multiple guards surrounded the restrained inmate. The footage triggered widespread public shock and fuelled urgent calls for reform within New York's prison system.
Multiple Convictions and a Sole Murder Verdict
In total, six guards were indicted by a grand jury on murder charges brought by special prosecutor and Onondaga County District Attorney, William Fitzpatrick. Four others faced lesser charges. Five other guards have pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with Brooks's death.
Kingsley was one of three guards tried before a jury in October on charges of murder and first-degree manslaughter. He was the only one of the three found guilty of murder. He also received a concurrent 25-year sentence for a manslaughter conviction. Prosecutors argued he deserved the maximum sentence for refusing to take responsibility, forcing Brooks's family to endure the trauma of a trial.
Families Seek Justice and Systemic Change
Speaking in court before sentencing, Kingsley apologised to Brooks's relatives for his role in the "senseless" actions that led to the death. The victim's son, Robert Brooks Jr., stated he hopes the case will prevent similar future incidents.
Brooks's brother, Jared Ricks, added that while forgiveness remains distant, seeing justice served is a necessary step on that path. The case has cast a harsh spotlight on conduct and accountability within the state's correctional facilities.
The legal proceedings continue, with one final defendant scheduled to stand trial on 12 January on a second-degree manslaughter charge. In a separate but related case, Fitzpatrick is also prosecuting guards involved in the fatal beating of inmate Messiah Nantwi on 1 March at the nearby Mid-State Correctional Facility.
