US EditionFormer guard accused of stomping inmate’s head goes on trial in fatal beating at New York prison
Prosecutors say Levi stomped Nantwi’s head in a 69-blow beating amid a prison strike; over half a dozen guards pleaded guilty to lesser charges, officials said.
- On Tuesday, former New York prison guard Jonah Levi went on trial for murder in the March 1, 2025, death of inmate Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility, with prosecutors alleging Levi repeatedly stomped on the inmate's head.
- Levi is the first of 10 guards indicted to face trial after the incident occurred during a three-week wildcat strike by guards protesting working conditions at New York prisons.
- Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told jurors that investigators recovered DNA evidence from boots taken from the guard, claiming Nantwi suffered 69 separate blows from fists, boots, and batons resulting in massive head trauma.
- Defense attorney Lewis G. Spicer argued the use of force was justified given Nantwi's aggressive behavior, telling jurors that prosecutors presented an "extremely sanitized" version of events and that Levi did not use fatal force.
- National Guard member Nicholas Mouzon testified that Nantwi calmed down after backup was called, though prisoner advocates point to this death as evidence of a systemic culture of violence within the state system.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Former guard accused of stomping inmate's head in fatal beating at New York prison goes on trial
A prosecutor says a former upstate New York prison guard repeatedly stomped on the head of a 22-year-old inmate during a brutal beating by a group of guards. Prosecutors say former New York prison guard Jonah Levi took part in…
Associated Press News
Former guard accused of stomping inmate's head goes on trial in fatal beating at New York prison
A prosecutor says a former upstate New York prison guard repeatedly stomped on the head of a 22-year-old inmate during a brutal beating by a group of guards.
Rutland Herald
Former NY prison guard accused of stomping on inmate's head goes on trial for murder
A prosecutor says a former upstate New York prison guard on trial for murder repeatedly stomped on the head of a 22-year-old inmate during a brutal beating by a group of guards. Prosecutors say former New York prison guard Jonah…
Opening statements for guard accused of killing Midstate inmate
UTICA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) -- Opening statements are expected to get underway this week in Oneida County court for one of the Midstate prison guards charged in the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi last March. 12 jurors and three alternates have been selected to serve in the case against Jonah Levi. Levi is facing charges, including [...]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
