New York – In a stunning reversal of initial reports, the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under Attorney General Letitia James has concluded that the deadly force used by members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) against Kent Edwards on December 14, 2023, was justified. The OSI’s Notification of Investigative Findings stated that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ use of force was unlawful.
Edwards was killed following an exchange of gunfire in Manhattan, where he is believed to have fired shots at NYPD officers. The recovered firearm showed Edwards’ DNA, and ballistics evidence confirmed he discharged four rounds. The incident, which led to the death of two officers, was captured on body-worn cameras.
Following the shooting, OSI conducted a thorough investigation. On the day of the shooting, Edwards had been traced back to an apartment at 206 Eldridge Street in Manhattan, where the confrontation occurred. Officers attempted to negotiate with Edwards for over two hours before he emerged from the bathroom and opened fire.
The evidence presented by OSI includes photos of the NYPD ballistic vests and shields with bullet holes, as well as the firearm recovered from Edwards’ hand. According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI is required to investigate every reported incident where a police officer may have caused the death of a person.
In light of the conclusion that the officers’ actions were justified, OSI will release a final Investigation Report at a later date, as required by law. The findings represent a significant shift in how this incident is viewed by law enforcement and legal authorities alike.
RELATED: Lower East Side Shootout: NYPD Cleared in Kent Edwards’ Death
Related Federal Cases
- NYPD Death of Christopher Ferguson: Justified Force Claimed by OSI · New York
- Rochester Cop Fatality: AG James OSI Finds No Justification for Use of Force · New York
- Campbell’s Death: Justified Police Force, Says Report · New York
- New York AG’s OSI Probes Death of Shelton Ennis Following NYPD Encounter · New York
- Queens Death Sparks OSI Probe into NYPD Encounter · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
