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Juror’s Unusual Request Marks Deliberations in Final Marcy Guard Trial

Prosecutors say body-camera footage shows Michael Fisher watching the assault without intervening.

Overview

  • During deliberations, a juror asked to speak privately with the judge about the case; the judge declined, addressed the full panel, and reread the manslaughter instructions.
  • Jurors posed questions referencing terms like “mea culpa” and “willful knowledge,” prompting a reminder to rely only on the court’s language and not outside concepts.
  • The jury has deliberated about four hours over two days on a second-degree manslaughter charge that carries a maximum 15-year sentence if Fisher is convicted.
  • In closing arguments, the special prosecutor said Fisher stood by for roughly seven minutes, while the defense argued he lacked real-time awareness of the extent of harm.
  • Key evidence included passively recorded body-camera images showing Fisher smiling near the beating, medical testimony that intervention could have saved Robert Brooks, and prior testimony about falsified reports at Marcy; Fisher is the last of 10 officers to be tried as statewide prison reforms proceed.