Ten New York state prison guards have been indicted for the fatal beating of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility, according to prosecutors. Two guards face murder charges, while others face manslaughter, assault, and cover-up-related counts.
The incident occurred March 1 during a National Guard-backed operation amid a prison staff strike. Despite Nantwi being unarmed and compliant, guards allegedly beat him with fists, batons, and boots. Prosecutors say assaults continued even after he was unconscious, and a falsified narrative was later crafted to shield the attackers.
An attempted cover-up included planting a weapon, falsifying reports, and discussing the scheme near security cameras. Six additional guards have agreed to cooperate in the investigation.
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