A former corrections officer was convicted Wednesday of manslaughter in the fatal beating of an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Jonah Levi was also found guilty of gang assault and conspiracy related to the death of Messiah Nantwi and the subsequent attempt to conceal the events.

Manslaughter Conviction in Inmate Death

The jury in Utica, New York, acquitted Levi of the more serious charge of second-degree murder. The conviction centers around the death of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi on March 1, 2025. Nantwi died from massive head trauma and other injuries sustained during the beating, according to prosecutors.

Details of the Incident

Prosecutors stated that Nantwi was struck repeatedly by guards using fists, boots, and batons. The beating occurred during a work stoppage by corrections officers, prompting the deployment of National Guard members to maintain order. Levi was part of an emergency response team deployed to Nantwi’s housing unit after the inmate became uncooperative during a prisoner headcount.

Statements Following the Verdict

“This verdict sets an important precedent — not just for Messiah, but for everyone who is incarcerated,” said Patterson Nantwi, Messiah Nantwi’s father, in a written statement. “No one should have to fear losing their life at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them.”

Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick stated, “The first step in justice for Messiah is complete with some work to go.” He also thanked the jurors for their diligence and expressed satisfaction with the verdict.

Broader Context of Prison Violence

Nantwi’s death followed the fatal beating of Robert Brooks at a nearby prison several months prior. More than ten corrections officers are facing criminal charges, including murder, in connection with Nantwi’s death. This case is one of several involving allegations of excessive force and cover-ups within New York’s correctional system. Another ten officers were previously accused in a separate, video-recorded assault at Marcy Correctional Facility in December.

Upcoming Trials

Several other individuals involved in the case are awaiting trial. Caleb Blair, another former guard charged with murder, is scheduled to stand trial on May 4th, alongside a co-defendant facing first-degree manslaughter charges. A third guard, also charged with manslaughter, is set for trial in June. More than six others have already pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Inmate's Background

Messiah Nantwi entered the state prison system in May 2024, serving a five-year sentence for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The charge stemmed from a 2021 incident involving an exchange of gunfire with police officers, during which Nantwi was shot multiple times while the officers remained uninjured.