By Tom Hays
Associated Press
NEW YORK — A lawsuit says a crew of prison guards known as the “Beat Up Squad” killed a handcuffed inmate in a New York City lockup.
The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court in Manhattan by the family of 30-year-old Samuel Harrell. It alleges that the “Beat Up Squad” repeatedly punched and kicked Harrell during a confrontation this year at the Fishkill Correctional Facility.
The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Last month, federal prosecutors announced they were joining an investigation by local authorities into Harrell’s death. He was serving an eight-year term for a drug conviction at the time of his death.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
The state Department of Corrections had no comment on the lawsuit.