Former Correction Officer Found Guilty in Inmate's Beating Death

Jury convicts Jonah Levi on multiple charges, but acquits on top murder charge

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An Oneida County jury found former Mid-State correction officer Jonah Levi guilty on several charges, including manslaughter and gang assault, related to the beating death of inmate Messiah Nantwi. Levi was acquitted of the top charge of murder in the second degree, but prosecutors say the verdict still reflects the seriousness of the conduct. The case has raised concerns about the lack of body camera footage and the challenges incarcerated individuals face in filing complaints.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system, particularly in regards to the treatment of incarcerated individuals. The verdict represents a step towards holding correction officers responsible for abuses of power, but also underscores the need for better oversight and protections for those behind bars.

The details

After three days of deliberations, the jury found Levi guilty on charges of manslaughter in the first degree, gang assault in the first and second degrees, conspiracy, and filing a false instrument. Prosecutors praised the jury's decision, calling it a "very fair verdict" that reflects the seriousness of Levi's actions. However, they also criticized the lack of body camera footage, which they say prevented a full accounting of the incident.

  • The jury returned their verdict on April 1, 2026, just after 12:30 p.m.
  • The trial lasted several days, with three days of jury deliberations.

The players

Jonah Levi

A former correction officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility who was found guilty on multiple charges related to the beating death of an inmate.

Messiah Nantwi

The inmate who was beaten to death by Levi and other correction officers.

Bill Fitzpatrick

The prosecutor in the case, who praised the jury's verdict and raised concerns about the lack of body camera footage.

Georgio White

An advocate for incarcerated individuals who described the verdict as a meaningful step towards accountability within the correctional system.

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What they’re saying

“Very fair verdict, very happy with the verdict...it would reflect the seriousness of the conduct.”

— Bill Fitzpatrick, Prosecutor

“Watching them actually get held accountable for their actions just like me and you or anybody else is a sense of relief, and I believe change is definitely coming.”

— Georgio White, Advocate for incarcerated individuals

“I feel like it has been swept under the rug for a long time. That's what makes it hard for incarcerated individuals to complain because no one believes them initially.”

— Georgio White, Advocate for incarcerated individuals

What’s next

Prosecutors say they are preparing for the next phase of the legal process, including Levi's sentencing, which is expected to take place at a later date. They are also working to pass legislation in connection with Nantwi's death and another case involving Robert Brooks, aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to the treatment of incarcerated individuals. While the verdict represents a step towards holding correction officers responsible for abuses of power, it also underscores the need for better oversight, protections, and avenues for incarcerated individuals to report misconduct.