#Cuomo demands ‘expeditious’ probe into police custody death of Daniel Prude

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday demanded an “expeditious” investigation into the March police-custody death of Daniel Prude in Rochester that’s been probed since April, calling the fatal encounter “deeply disturbing.”

Cuomo made the call one day after disturbing bodycam video of the March 23 incident was made public, saying he asked state Attorney General Letitia James to “complete a thorough review of the facts, get to the bottom of what happened, and ensure that justice is served.”

“For the sake of Mr. Prude’s family and the greater Rochester community I am calling for this case to be concluded as expeditiously as possible,” Cuomo said. “For that to occur we need the full and timely cooperation of the Rochester Police Department and I trust it will fully comply.”

Prude, 41, was seen naked and in obvious distress in the police footage, which shows cops handcuff him and put him on the ground.

The officers, who are heard laughing through much of the encounter, then put a spit mask on Prude, while one cop is seen pushing his face into the street until he stops moving.

Prude was declared brain dead at a local hospital and was pronounced dead one week later — with his death ruled a homicide.

Under an executive order signed by Cuomo in 2015, the state attorney general acts as a special prosecutor in police custody death cases.

James’ has been probing the death since April, her office said.

“As my office continues our investigation into the death of Daniel Prude, it is important for the Rochester community to know that we are working diligently to ensure a swift and thorough investigation,” James said in a statement Thursday.

“At this time, we have not asked the city of Rochester nor the Rochester Police Department to refrain from launching an internal investigation,” James said. “In fact, we encourage both Rochester and RPD to proceed with an internal review simultaneous to our investigation. The Prude family and the greater Rochester community deserve answers and we will continue to work around the clock to provide them.”