NYPD Officer’s Deadly Force Cleared in Centereach Slaying

New York – The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under Attorney General Letitia James has released a Notification of Investigative Findings detailing the outcome of their probe into the fatal shooting of Emilson Joan Ordoñez-Banegas by Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) officers on July 13, 2025. The OSI concluded that a prosecutor could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s use of deadly force was unjustified.

The incident began with a 911 call reporting an assault with a knife in Centereach. SCPD arrived to find Ordoñez-Banegas, who had been stabbed, and another suspect fleeing into woods. As EMTs treated the injured man, Ordoñez-Banegas emerged, lunging at him with a knife. An officer discharged his weapon, killing him. A knife was recovered at the scene.

Video footage from officers’ body-worn cameras captured the incident, which led to OSI’s assessment under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b. OSI investigates incidents where an officer may have caused a death by action or omission, regardless of whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and if the deceased was armed or in custody.

OSI’s Notification of Investigative Findings indicates that the investigation into Ordoñez-Banegas’ death is complete. A final Investigation Report will be issued at a later date, as required by law.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over police use of deadly force and the need for thorough investigations to ensure accountability. The OSI’s findings come as no surprise to many who have been following the case closely.

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