Rochester Cop Fatality: AG James OSI Finds No Justification for Use of Force

New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has issued a Notification of Investigative Findings in the tragic death of Akintunde Campbell, who succumbed to injuries following an encounter with Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers on July 31, 2025. The OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the use of deadly physical force by the officers was justified under the law.

The incident unfolded on Ernestine Street in Rochester when RPD officers were dispatched to respond to reports of a man looking into cars. Upon arrival, they encountered Campbell, who attempted to flee after being questioned about his presence. An ensuing struggle resulted in Campbell’s death at the scene, with officers later recovering a handgun from the scene and footage from their body-worn cameras capturing the incident.

According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI is tasked with reviewing incidents where police officers may have caused the death of a person by act or omission. The OSI’s thorough investigation led to this notification, which precedes the issuance of a final Investigation Report at a later date.

The incident has sparked ongoing discussions about police use of force and the complexities surrounding officer-involved fatalities. New York residents are calling for greater transparency in law enforcement investigations and accountability measures for officers who use excessive force.

About the Incident:
On July 31, RPD officers were dispatched to Ernestine Street following reports of a suspicious individual. Campbell was found standing in a driveway, and when questioned, he attempted to leave the area. Upon discovering a bulge in his pocket, which they believed could be a weapon, the officers attempted to detain him. A struggle ensued, culminating in the shooting that led to Campbell’s death.

Incident Video:
The incident was captured on body-worn cameras worn by the officers involved. Stills from these recordings have been released and reviewed as part of the OSI investigation.