ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)--- The New York Attorney General has opened an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old who died after allegedly being shot by a Utica Police Officer.
https://www.news10.com/news/national/13-year-old-dies-in-new-york-after-being-shot-by-police/
Under New York State Law, the Attorney General’s Office of Special investigation is required to review incidents where a police officer may have caused the death of a person.
OSI has opened 17 investigations into civilian deaths this year alone, including this most recent incident in Utica.
"I think it’s important that we give the state attorney general’s office time to investigate this case. It will be an independent investigation separate from us. Our department plans to fully cooperate with the AG’s Office," said Mark Williams, Chief of the Utica Police Department. " And the facts are the facts and whatever they rule that’s really up to them."
Attorney Ryan McCall, a partner at McCall, Sweeney & Silva PC, explained what is required of the AG’s Office of Special Investigation under the state law that went into effect back in 2021.
"The attorney general's office is going to have access to documentation, witness statements, subpoenas, things like that in addition to recordings," explained McCall. "So they’re gonna be able to see everything that happened not just one or two snippets as to what happened in that situation."
McCall noted these investigations take time.
"This is not something that is plain and simple right? This isn’t something that could happen in a couple of days," said McCall. "So I know there are people who want answers now, but to that I would say let the attorney general do their job. Let them see everything that happened, that way we have a final determination that’s issued that we can all rely on."
The AG’s office can ultimately decide to either issue a report or prosecute an officer. It’s unclear exactly how long the investigation will take to complete.
The Utica Police Department is also conducting its own investigation into the incident.
