Attorney General Letitia James’ office is backing away from the criminal probe into the caught-on-camera beating death of Marcy Correctional inmate Robert Brooks, officials said Friday. In a video update released Thursday,

Inside Marcy Correctional Facility, the news of Robert Brooks’ death – while undeniably tragic – did not come as a complete shock, one inmate told CNN.

The New York attorney general’s office has recused itself from the high-profile case involving the beating death of state prisoner Robert Brooks due to an internal conflict, officials said on Thursday. Four corrections officers under investigation are currently represented by attorneys from the attorney general’s office in other cases.

Hochul directed leaders to implement immediate changes to protect the safety and well-being of all DOCCS personnel and incarcerated individuals.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James says her office is recusing itself from the investigation into the alleged beating that resulted in the death of an inmate in Upstate New York.