Lawyers representing Messiah Nantwi’s estate filed a federal lawsuit on June 17 against correctional officers implicated for the young Harlemite’s death at Mid-State Correctional Facility. The lawsuit also named Department of Corrections and Community Supervision commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III. as a defendant.
Nantwi died from head trauma this March at age 22 after the guards allegedly stormed into his cell, handcuffed him and “viciously punched, kicked and stomped” him repeatedly in a gang attack. Ten staff members face criminal charges, with two facing second-degree murder. The officers are also accused of a cover-up attempt after the beating.
“The loss of my son Messiah is a pain no parent should ever endure,” said Messiah’s father, Patterson Nantwi, in a statement. “He was loved by many, and he deserved to be treated with dignity and respect — not brutally beaten while handcuffed and defenseless by those whose job it was to protect him. I want justice for Messiah by holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that no other family suffers this kind of tragedy, and this lawsuit is a part of that fight.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Martuscello both condemned the killing days after Nantwi’s death. The incident coincided with an illegal strike across state prisons. Hochul called the conduct described in the initial reports as “extremely disturbing.” She later commended special Special Prosecutor William Fitzpatrick for charging the officers allegedly involved.
“Governor Hochul has publicly acknowledged the brutal killing of Messiah Nantwi and the need to hold those responsible accountable,” said Owen Lamb, counsel for the plaintiff in a statement. “This lawsuit is part of that effort to secure the family the answers and justice they deserve.”
Nantwi remains linked with Robert Brooks, who corrections officers beat to death less than three months prior. Prison watchdog Correctional Association of New York (CANY) visited Mid-State a month after Brooks’ death and reported “serious concerns about operational failures at Mid-State.”
New York County Public Administrator Dahlia Damas currently handles Nantwi’s estate and will serve as the lawsuit’s plaintiff. Her counsel includes Lamb and attorneys from Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, the civil rights law firm known for corrections-related lawsuits like Nunez which recently led to a federal judge placing Rikers Island under receivership.