Marcus Burks Dies After Police Custody Incident in Newburgh, NY on January 2, 2026 Following Crash and Pursuit

On January 2, 2026, 39-year-old Marcus Burks died in Newburgh, New York, after being taken into custody by law enforcement following a vehicle pursuit and crash. According to authorities, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop before Burks fled, leading to a chase that ended when his vehicle crashed. He was subsequently handcuffed and detained at the scene.

While in custody, Burks became unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel were called, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was later identified as asphyxiation. Officials have not publicly clarified how he lost consciousness while restrained. The New York State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.