UPDATE: 15 staff members connected to Mid-State death now on leave
ONEIDA COUNTY- Fifteen staff members at Mid-State Correctional Facility, who are in some way connected to the death of Messiah Nantwi, 22, who was incarcerated, are now on leave.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Kathy Hochul says that early evidence points towards “extremely disturbing conduct” that lead to Nantwi’s death, who passed away at Wynn Hospital.
The Governor’s comments confirm initial reports from the New York Times this week that Nantwi was subjected to a beating.
Despite these developments, the Governor and the DOCCS stress that the investigation remains ongoing.
According to numerous other sources, Nantwi was awaiting trial during his stay at Mid-State on charges related to a pair of shootings that killed two people in 2023.
In addition, sources suggest that he was already serving a five-year sentence for criminally possessing a weapon – related to a shooting in 2021.
Read the Governor's full issued statement below:
“At my direction, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has placed 15 individuals on leave in connection with the death of Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old individual incarcerated at Mid-State Correctional Facility. While the investigation into this incident is ongoing, early reports point to extremely disturbing conduct leading to Mr. Nantwi’s death and I am committed to accountability for all involved. The people of New York extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Nantwi's family and loved ones.
“I am grateful to Commissioner Martuscello and DOCCS leadership for taking swift action to respond to this incident. However, this tragedy is a reminder of the need for real systemic change within our correctional system — beginning with the policies I implemented following the murder of Robert Brooks, such as mandating the use of body-worn cameras, expanding whistleblower hotlines and bringing in outside experts for a systemwide culture review.
“As I’ve said for weeks, my top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers involved in the correctional system, from civilian employees to National Guard to Correction Officers to incarcerated individuals. The ongoing illegal work stoppage is a significant safety risk, and I once again reiterate the need for Correction Officers to return to work. My Administration remains committed to working in good faith with Correction Officers to improve safety and working conditions within the correctional system, but we will not compromise on the need for responsible, law-abiding behavior by every single person who walks into a DOCCS facility.”
NYS Prison image.
