Prison reform law signed by governor as final trial is underway for the death of Robert Brooks

GREECE, N.Y. — The final trial related to the death of Robert Brooks began Monday, with opening statements set to begin Tuesday.

Brooks, a Greece resident, was killed inside Marcy State Correctional Facility a year ago. The father and son of Brooks expressed gratitude to Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing a prison reform law before Christmas. They urged further changes to restore humanity within prisons.

Brooks died after being manhandled by guards two Christmases ago. For context, four guards have already been imprisoned for manslaughter, while one is serving time for murder…