Former NY Prison Guard Convicted of Manslaughter in Inmate's Fatal Beating

Jonah Levi found guilty of manslaughter, gang assault, and conspiracy in the 2025 death of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A former corrections officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility in upstate New York has been found guilty of manslaughter, gang assault, and conspiracy in the 2025 fatal beating of inmate Messiah Nantwi. Jonah Levi was part of a group of guards who struck Nantwi dozens of times with their fists, boots, and batons, leading to his death from massive head trauma and other injuries. The beating occurred during a wildcat strike by many officers that forced the governor to send in National Guard members to help maintain order.

Why it matters

The conviction of Levi is part of a broader reckoning over violence and abuse within the New York state prison system. Nantwi's death came several months after another inmate, Robert Brooks, was fatally beaten at a separate prison just across the road from Mid-State. The case has raised concerns about the use of excessive force by corrections officers and the need for greater accountability and oversight within the state's prisons.

The details

According to prosecutors, the beating of Nantwi occurred after he refused to be handcuffed and grabbed a guard's vest during a prisoner headcount. Corrections officers who responded to the call then began beating Nantwi in his room, with the violence intensifying after Nantwi bit a guard's hand. Levi was accused of stomping on Nantwi's head multiple times and participating in a cover-up by guards. More than half a dozen other officers have pleaded guilty to lesser charges related to the beating and alleged cover-up.

  • Nantwi entered the state prison system in May 2024 and was serving a five-year sentence.
  • The fatal beating occurred on March 1, 2025.
  • Levi was found guilty on April 1, 2026.

The players

Jonah Levi

A former corrections officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility who was found guilty of manslaughter, gang assault, and conspiracy in the 2025 fatal beating of inmate Messiah Nantwi.

Messiah Nantwi

A 22-year-old inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility who died due to massive head trauma and other injuries from a beating by a group of corrections officers in 2025.

William Fitzpatrick

The Onondaga County District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Levi, telling jurors that the evidence of Levi's guilt was "simple and overwhelming" for stomping on Nantwi's head.

Lewis G. Spicer

The attorney representing Levi, who told jurors that his client did not use any force that resulted in Nantwi's death.

Robert Brooks

Another inmate who was fatally beaten at a separate prison just across the road from Mid-State Correctional Facility, several months before Nantwi's death.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence of guilt here, ladies and gentlemen, is simple and it's overwhelming. Stomp on someone's head, you're not trying to get their attention. You've divorced yourself from the human race.”

— William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney

“Jonah Levi did not kick Messiah Nantwi in the head.”

— Lewis G. Spicer, Levi's attorney

What’s next

Another former guard charged with murder, Caleb Blair, is scheduled to go on trial May 4, along with a fellow defendant who will stand trial for first-degree manslaughter. Another guard charged with manslaughter is scheduled for trial June 1.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issues of violence and abuse within the New York state prison system, and the need for greater accountability and oversight to protect the safety and wellbeing of incarcerated individuals. The conviction of Levi is a step towards justice, but more work remains to address the systemic problems that led to Nantwi's tragic death.