Attorney General James Clears COs in King Crittenden Death

New York – The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James has released its report, clearing correction officers (COs) in the death of King Crittenden, who succumbed to injuries following an encounter at Wyoming Correctional Facility (WCF) on January 14, 2024.

Crittenden, a prisoner at WCF, experienced a seizure and was rendered unresponsive. He received medical attention, including Narcan administration, while being transported in an ambulance. However, upon arrival at the emergency room, the situation escalated as Crittenden became combative. The officers present used restraints to control him. Despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

OSI’s investigation revealed that there was insufficient evidence to prove criminally negligent homicide beyond a reasonable doubt. It concluded that the restraint used by the COs did not exceed the standard of care and that their conduct did not meet the threshold for gross deviation from what would be considered reasonable in similar circumstances.

The OSI also recommended legislation requiring all correction officers in New York State to be equipped with body-worn cameras, a recommendation that has since been partially addressed by new legislation mandating fixed or stationary cameras within DOCCS facilities.

Despite the report’s conclusions, the death of King Crittenden remains a tragic incident that has raised questions about the use of force and restraints in correctional facilities. The OSI’s findings bring some closure to this case, but the broader concerns remain.