Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old inmate, died on March 1, 2025, at Mid-State Correctional Facility in New York. According to reports, Nantwi was subjected to multiple assaults by correctional officers, resulting in massive head trauma and multiple injuries. Two officers, Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair, were charged with second-degree murder, while three others faced first-degree manslaughter charges. The indictment alleged that the officers initiated a brutal assault on Nantwi after he raised his hands in surrender, rendering him unresponsive. The case has drawn attention to the use of excessive force within correctional facilities and the need for accountability.

3. James Barton: The Mid-State Correctional Facility Assault

In 2023, James Barton, a 47-year-old Black inmate, was assaulted by three correctional officers at Mid-State Correctional Facility. The officers, Brandon Montanari, Rohail Khan, and Michael Williams, pleaded guilty to federal charges for assaulting Barton, referencing the “George Floyd challenge” during the attack. The assault lasted approximately ten minutes, during which Barton was beaten and choked. The officers also conspired to cover up the incident by providing false statements during an internal investigation. The case underscores the prevalence of racial violence and misconduct within the correctional system.

4. Gershun Freeman: The Memphis Jail Incident

Gershun Freeman, a Black man, died after being beaten by deputies at a Memphis jail during a psychotic episode. Deputies Stevon Jones and Courtney Parham were charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Seven other deputies faced charges of aggravated assault resulting in death. Video evidence showed Freeman being beaten after running naked from his cell, leading to a heart attack while being restrained. The case has raised questions about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues within the correctional system.

5. Donald Maier: The Waupun Correctional Institution Case

Donald Maier died in 2024 at Waupun Correctional Institution in Wisconsin due to dehydration and malnutrition while in solitary confinement. Former warden Randall Hepp was fined $500 after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge linked to Maier’s death. Eight other staff members were charged in connection with Maier’s and Cameron Williams’ deaths. The case has prompted federal investigations and lawsuits over prison conditions, highlighting the need for reform in the treatment of inmates in solitary confinement. (Judge orders former Wisconsin warden to pay $500 fine in inmate’s death)

6. Victor Russo: The Donaldson Correctional Facility Incident

Victor Russo, serving a life sentence for murder, died on February 25, 2025, at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama. Lt. Mohammad Jenkins was charged with second-degree assault after an investigation found evidence that he used excessive force against Russo during an altercation. Russo died two days after being found unresponsive in his cell. The case remains under investigation, with the U.S. Department of Justice reviewing the circumstances surrounding Russo’s death. (Alabama prison guard charged with assaulting inmate who died | AP News)

Conclusion

The deaths of Robert Brooks, Messiah Nantwi, James Barton, Gershun Freeman, Donald Maier, and Victor Russo serve as stark reminders of the systemic issues within the U.S. correctional system. The legal proceedings against the correctional officers involved in these incidents are crucial steps toward accountability and reform. However, they also underscore the need for comprehensive changes to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. Addressing issues such as the use of excessive force, inadequate medical care, and the treatment of inmates with mental health issues is essential to ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals within the correctional system. (‘Give him the George Floyd challenge’: Officers admit beating inmate)

Recent Developments

• Robert Brooks Case: As of February 2025, ten correctional officers have been indicted in connection with the death of Robert Brooks. The charges include second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, gang assault, and tampering with evidence. The officers are scheduled to appear before a judge this week. (10 prison employees facing charges in beating death of handcuffed inmate | WBFO)
• Messiah Nantwi Case: Two officers have been charged with second-degree murder, while three others face first-degree manslaughter charges. The indictment alleges that the officers initiated a brutal assault on Nantwi after he raised his hands in surrender. (10 Prison Guards Facing Charges, Including 2 for Murder, in Beating Death of N.Y. Inmate)
• James Barton Case: Three