Inmate's Death Ruled Homicide, Family Seeks Justice

The state medical examiner's office has ruled the death of Shacoby Kenny, an inmate at the South Bay House of Correction, as a homicide. Kenny died in December from injuries resulting in a shortage of oxygen to the brain, a finding that confirmed his mother's belief that his death was not natural.

Witnesses, including other inmates, have described a fatal beating involving multiple correctional officers. While the homicide ruling indicates Kenny died at the hands of others, the decision on whether criminal charges will be filed rests with prosecutors.

The state attorney general's office and the Suffolk district attorney's office are conducting a joint investigation. The correctional officers involved in the altercation have been reassigned to desk duty. Kenny's mother, Druesilla Brown, and her attorney are pursuing justice, with the attorney calling the incident 'torture.'

Legal representatives noted that the inmate had a history of mental health issues, which they argue were not properly accommodated by the officers. The sheriff's office faces scrutiny over the escalation of the incident, especially given Sheriff Steve Thompkins has been on leave since August following an indictment for extortion.