Former Marcy Corrections Officer sentenced for inmate's death

Michael Fisher pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment but remains free pending appeal

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A former Marcy Corrections Officer named Michael Fisher was sentenced to six months in jail for the death of inmate Robert Brooks, but he won't be going to jail yet as he has a pending appeal. Fisher originally faced manslaughter charges but took a plea deal after the jury deadlocked. Ten former guards were indicted in Brooks' case, with one convicted of murder and four others sentenced on manslaughter charges.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing issues of violence and lack of accountability in the U.S. prison system, where inmate deaths at the hands of corrections officers remain a persistent problem despite reforms. The plea deal and delayed sentencing also raise questions about the justice system's ability to properly punish those responsible for in-custody deaths.

The details

Michael Fisher pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment for the 2024 death of inmate Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Bodycam footage showed several corrections officers beating Brooks in a medical exam room, and he died in the hospital the next day. Fisher was originally charged with manslaughter but took an unexpected plea deal after the jury deadlocked. He was sentenced to six months in jail but won't serve that time until a decision is made on his pending appeal.

  • In December 2024, inmate Robert Brooks died after an incident with corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility.
  • On January 16, 2026, Michael Fisher pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Brooks' death.
  • On January 30, 2026, Fisher was sentenced to six months in jail but remains free pending an appeal.

The players

Michael Fisher

A former Marcy Corrections Officer who pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment for the death of inmate Robert Brooks.

Robert Brooks

An inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility who died in 2024 after an incident with several corrections officers, including Michael Fisher.

William Fitzpatrick

The Special Prosecutor and Onondaga County District Attorney who offered the plea deal to Michael Fisher.

David Kingsley

One of the ten former guards indicted in Brooks' case, who was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold corrections officers accountable when their actions lead to the death of an inmate in their care.”

— William Fitzpatrick, Special Prosecutor and Onondaga County District Attorney

What’s next

A decision on Michael Fisher's appeal will determine when he begins serving his six-month jail sentence for reckless endangerment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violence and lack of accountability in the U.S. prison system, where inmate deaths at the hands of corrections officers remain a persistent issue despite reform efforts.