Nantwi’s death case was the first guard trial stemming from the March 1, 2025 incident at Mid-State Correctional Facility, where prosecutors said he suffered massive head trauma and other injuries after guards used fists, boots and batons. The jury in Utica found Jonah Levi guilty of manslaughter and also convicted him of gang assault and conspiracy. The jury acquitted Levi of second-degree murder, according to Associated Press.
During the trial, prosecutors described how Levi participated as part of an emergency response to Nantwi’s housing unit after National Guard members arrived for backup following a prisoner headcount dispute. A witness testified that Nantwi calmed down once backup was called, AP reported.
Prosecutors said officers who responded to the call began beating Nantwi in his room after he refused to be handcuffed and grabbed a guard’s vest. The prosecution said the beatings intensified after Nantwi bit a guard’s hand.
In closing arguments, Fitzpatrick told jurors that the case was straightforward, saying, “The evidence of guilt here, ladies and gentlemen, is simple and it’s overwhelming. Stomp on someone’s head, you’re not trying to get their attention,” and adding, “You’ve divorced yourself from the human race.” AP reported that the district attorney characterized Levi’s actions as including stomping on Nantwi’s head multiple times and participating in a cover-up by guards.
Levi’s attorney, Lewis G. Spicer, argued that his client did not use force that resulted in Nantwi’s death. Spicer told jurors, “Jonah Levi did not kick Messiah Nantwi in the head,” in his closing statement, AP reported.
Messiah Nantwi’s father, Patterson Nantwi, issued a written statement after the verdict, saying, “This verdict sets an important precedent — not just for Messiah, but for everyone who is incarcerated,” and adding, “No one should have to fear losing their life at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them.”
AP reported that the beating took place during the wildcat strike by many officers that led the governor to send National Guard members to help keep order at the prison. Nantwi’s death also came months after Robert Brooks was fatally beaten at a separate prison just across the road from Mid-State.
More than half a dozen other people involved in the incident have pleaded guilty to lesser charges related to the beating and alleged cover-up, AP reported. Caleb Blair, another guard charged with murder, is scheduled to go on trial May 4, along with a fellow defendant for first-degree manslaughter. Another guard charged with manslaughter is scheduled for trial June 1.