New York’s Attorney General Letitia James appointed Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick as a special prosecutor in the case of Robert Brooks, who died after being beaten by state corrections officers.

James recused her office due to potential conflicts of interest, as some officers under investigation were represented by her office in other cases.

Brooks was attacked while handcuffed at Marcy Correctional Facility, and body camera footage shows officers striking him.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident and expects charges to be filed soon, the Associated Press has reported.

Preliminary autopsy results suggest asphyxia caused by neck compression.

Written by B.C. Begley