Six Mid-State Correctional Officers charged in connection with the April death of inmate Messiah Nantwi appeared in Oneida County Court Friday, according to CNY Central. The cases include manslaughter and murder charges, with several defense teams seeking separate trials.
Manslaughter defendant Thomas Eck returns Oct. 28, with trial set for Jan. 5, 2026. Fellow manslaughter defendant Craig Klemick is due back Oct. 29; his trial date is pending. Murder defendants Caleb Blair and Jonah Levi face suppression hearings Oct. 27 and Oct. 30, respectively.
Two other officers, Joshua Bartlett and Nathan Palmer, previously pleaded guilty to felony hindering prosecution and falsifying records; both will return to court this fall.
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