Jan 27, 2025
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - Robert Ricks called the beating of his son Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in December, divine intervention. "It's an act of God that says, 'ok, if you're going to take this child's life then I'm going to show them the evil behind these walls because that was evil.'" Ricks said. He's referring to the Dec. 9 beating caught on body camera and the officers involved in the incident. The silent images of the 43-year-old inmate's limp body being punched, kicked, yanked, choked, and tossed around sparked outrage, a criminal investigation, and a civil lawsuit. New bill aims for ‘swift justice’ in NYS Correctional abuse cases "Nobody could have told me there were 15, 16 or more men that would jump on you with handcuffs on. Nobody could have made me believe that until I seen it with my eyes," Ricks said. The father of three said Robert, his oldest child, was serving a 12-year sentence for assault, but was doing everything he could to stay out of trouble while in prison. Photos of Robert Brooks provided by family. "He would say to me every day, 'dad I'm staying out the way.'" Seated inside the Roxie Ann Sinkler Recreation Center on Grover Street, Ricks is surrounded by posters with images of Black and Brown men and women who have died after an encounter with law enforcement. "I believe my son died so that there are some fathers who will make it home from prison," Ricks said. Ricks is turning his heartbreak into hope for others. He said he's received countless messages from other family members who said their loved ones have been abused while incarcerated. On Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at East High School, Ricks and Mary Brooks plan to share their son's story at a community forum titled "How Many More? A Call for Change, Action and Accountability." It's organized in conjunction with Rochester's Police Accountability Board. Event flier sent to News 8. Pre-registration is required. You can either scan the QR code above using your cellphone camera or click here. "We have to do something besides march," Ricks said. The forum will include testimony from other families, a panel discussion, and performances by some of the young students who participate in Ricks' mentoring program, The Village. Ricks says although his son was denied a second chance, he still finds joy and purpose in helping other young people find their voice. "I want to try to do everything I can do to prevent our young people from going to jail, but I also want to do everything I can do when they do go to jail so they become members of the second chance club." ...read more read less
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