New York State’s corrections department is struggling to keep striking officers on the job, as it grapples with the fallout from two high-profile inmate deaths and reports of violence at the hands of its own workers.

The New York Attorney General’s Office is recusing itself from the investigation into the death of Messiah Nantwi, citing conflict of interest.

The New York State Department of Corrections said the 22-year-old prisoner was housed at Mid-State Correctional Facility and died Saturday.