NYC Law Firm Initiates Lawsuit Over Inmate Death in Mid-State Facility

A local law firm based in New York City has initiated a federal legal action on behalf of the family of Messian Nantwi, the young 22-year-old inmate at the Mid-State Correctional Facility who was tragically killed while in custody in March.

Messian was in a vulnerable, restrained condition when he became the victim of an excessive force exertion by no less than 18 officers. His fatal assault lasted over five minutes, with certain officers participating in the brutal attack, whilst others remained apathically aloof, refraining from taking any proactive steps to prevent the deadly beating.

Subsequent to the catastrophic incident, these officers allegedly collaborated to strategize a cover-up for their shocking use of force. They reportedly deceptively planted a weapon in Messian’s cell to create a false narrative that could potentially protect them from any impending accusations.

This horrifying incident involving Messian is not an isolated occurrence. Astonishingly, just a quarter of a year prior to this event, another inmate, Robert Brooks, had met a similar fate. His life was also abruptly ended by correctional officers at another facility located shockingly closeby, across the street at Marcy Correctional Facility.

Both of these tragic deaths are symptomatic of a pervasive pattern of violence and deceit that has entrenched itself in the correctional institutions of New York. This pattern, which involves the mistreatment of inmates and subsequent efforts to conceal such acts, has been perpetually overlooked by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

The law firm is honored and committed to stand for the cause of justice by representing Messian’s grieving family. The poignant loss felt by the Nantwi family is unimaginable – a pain seeped in the tragedy of ungrieveable loss, a feeling that no parent should ever be subjected to.

Messian, who was universally loved by many in his life, was entitled to be treated with the same dignity and respect accorded to every human being. His dignity and respect were however violated by the very individuals tasked with ensuring his safety. His life was abruptly taken away in a brutal, uncalled-for attack that was carried out while he was defenseless and restrained.

Patterson Nantwi, Messian’s bereaved father, seeks justice for his late son. His objective is to bring to accountability those involved directly and indirectly in his son’s death, in an effort to prevent other families from experiencing the horrifying tragedy his own family has had to endure.

The federal civil rights lawsuit lists, not only the correctional officers directly implicated in and those collaborating to conceal Messian’s death, but also includes other significant figures within the DOCCS. The list of defendants comprises DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III and Mid-State Superintendent Bryan Hilton.

The lawsuit alleges that both of these officials had prior knowledge of the disturbingly entrenched culture of violent abuse and cover-ups that were frequently perpetrated by the staff of correctional facilities – with the Correction Emergency Response Team (CERT) units being particularly implicated.

Despite alleged awareness of these ongoing issues, the lawsuit purports that these officials failed to execute any noteworthy action that could potentially have thwarted Messian’s tragic demise. Their inability or possible unwillingness to take proactive action has become a significant part of the lawsuit.

The legal action initiated by the law firm seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. These are solicited on behalf of the deceased inmate’s estate, for the alleged grave violations of his constitutional rights that the responsible entities and individuals are believed to have contravened.

This lawsuit serves as a poignant reminder of the fact that every individual, irrespective of their status or circumstances, is entitled to certain fundamental human rights, including the right to life, dignity, and safety. It crucially points out the need for authorities to uphold and protect these rights at all times, even within correctional facilities.

Furthermore, this legal action bears potential to shine a light on the concerning issues allegedly rife within the New York prison system. It beseeches those in positions of power to address these issues, and to prevent such horrifying incidents from recurring in the future.

The post NYC Law Firm Initiates Lawsuit Over Inmate Death in Mid-State Facility appeared first on Real News Now.

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