Oneida County, NY – On February 24, 2025, Oneida County Court Judge Robert Bauer unsealed an indictment returned by a specially empaneled Oneida County Grand Jury, which was convened exclusively to hear evidence in the investigation into the December 9, 2024, homicide of Marcy Correctional Facility incarcerated individual Robert Brooks, age 43.
As a result of this investigation, Nicholas J. Kieffer, age 33, of Whitesboro, NY, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Manslaughter in the First Degree
- Gang Assault in the Second Degree
- Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, "Today's arrest is a testament to the relentless dedication and professionalism of our investigators. The brutal nature of this crime is deeply disturbing, and the level of violence inflicted upon Robert Brooks was egregious. Our members have worked tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable. We hope this arrest brings some measure of justice to the family and loved ones of Mr. Brooks."
The New York State Police extends its appreciation to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office and Medical Examiner’s Office for their critical assistance throughout this investigation.
The State Police were first notified of Robert Brooks’ death early in the morning on December 10, 2024. Our investigation commenced immediately, led by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Troop D.
Recognizing the complexity and seriousness of this case, we committed substantial resources, including expertise and support from the Special Investigations Unit, the Troop D Computer Crimes Unit, the Forensic Investigation Unit, and the Forensic Video Multimedia Services Unit.
These efforts included the investigation of over 400 separate leads, the analysis of hundreds of pieces of evidence, and the execution of 16 search warrants.
On February 20, 2025, the following individuals were arrested and arraigned in Oneida County Court for the following charges:
Nicholas J. Anzalone, age 44, from Lee Center, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
- Offering a False Instrument for Filing 1st degree, class “E” felony
David J. Kingsley II, age 44, from Adams, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Anthony R. Farina, age 49, from Oneida, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Christopher Walrath, age 36, from Little Falls, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
Mathew J. Galliher, age 43, from Clinton, NY
- Murder 2nd degree, class “A-1” felony
- Manslaughter 1st degree, class “B” felony
- Gang Assault 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Michael Mashaw, age 47, from Boonville, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Michael D. Fisher, age 54, from Rome, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
David K. Walters, age 36, from Rome, NY
- Manslaughter 2nd degree, class “C” felony
Nicholas J. Gentile, age 36, from New Hartford, NY
- Tampering with Physical Evidence, class “E” felony
This case remains an active and ongoing prosecution.
