Onondaga County District Attorney Appointed Special Prosecutor in Investigation of Inmate’s Death at Mid-State Correctional Facility

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has recused itself from further reviewing the actions of corrections officers involved in the events leading to the death of Messiah Nantwi on March 1, 2025, at Mid-State Correctional Facility.

According to an announcement from the Attorney General’s office, the decision to step aside was based on potential conflicts of interest. As a result, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick has been appointed as a special prosecutor to oversee the case, following a motion granted by the Onondaga County Supreme Court.

The OSI, under New York Executive Law Section 70-b, conducts preliminary assessments of incidents where police or peace officers, including corrections officers, may have played a role in a person’s death. During its initial review of the case, the OSI identified that four of the corrections officers involved in the incident are also defendants in unrelated matters in which they were represented by attorneys from the Attorney General’s State Counsel Division. The division is responsible for providing legal representation to state employees, including corrections officers, in job-related legal matters under New York Public Officers Law 17.

Citing these connections, the OSI determined that continuing its investigation could raise concerns about impartiality. The agency will transfer all records from its preliminary assessment to the District Attorney’s office, which will now handle the matter. The Attorney General’s State Counsel Division will not represent the Department of Corrections or any involved corrections officers in the District Attorney’s review.

The Attorney General’s office emphasized that the decision to recuse itself is not an indication of wrongdoing by any party and does not imply any stance on potential criminal charges. The special prosecutor will now assume responsibility for determining the next steps in the investigation.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding Nantwi’s death.