Caesar Robinson Fatally Shot by Police, Brooklyn NY, 2023

BROOKLYN, NY – A hail of bullets ended the life of Caesar Robinson on April 13, 2023, and now, nearly two years later, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has delivered its verdict: the New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers involved were justified in their actions. The report, released today, details a chaotic scene at 330 Lewis Avenue in Brooklyn, a scene that ultimately led to a dead man and a lengthy investigation.

According to the OSI report, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible burglary in progress. Upon arriving at the location, officers began to knock on the door of the apartment. Caesar Robinson answered, and the situation escalated immediately. He was holding a firearm. The report states that when Robinson began to raise the gun towards the officers, one officer issued a command to drop the weapon. He didn’t listen.

The officers opened fire, striking Robinson. He was rushed to a local hospital, but the damage was too severe. He was pronounced dead. The OSI investigation meticulously reviewed body-worn camera footage, building security camera footage, and conducted interviews with all officers involved, along with a comprehensive legal analysis. The key question: could a prosecutor prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ actions were *not* justified?

New York law allows officers to use deadly physical force when they reasonably believe it’s necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. The OSI determined that, given Robinson’s actions – answering the door armed, raising the weapon toward officers, and failing to comply with commands – a prosecutor simply couldn’t meet that burden of proof. The report lays out a clear argument that the officers acted within the bounds of the law, fearing for their lives in a rapidly unfolding and dangerous situation.

“Under these circumstances,” the report states, “given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Robinson was justified.” Consequently, OSI has determined that criminal charges will not be pursued. This isn’t a celebration of a life lost, but a stark reminder of the razor’s edge police officers operate on, and the high legal bar for prosecuting their actions, even in deadly encounters.

The full OSI report is available to the public, and while it provides a detailed account of the events, it doesn’t erase the tragedy of Caesar Robinson’s death. The case will likely fuel further debate about police use of force, gun control, and the complexities of law enforcement in a city constantly grappling with violence. Grimy Times will continue to follow the fallout from this case and its implications for policing in New York City.

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