A New York state attorney general’s report concluded that NYPD officers were justified in the 2024 shooting death of 33-year-old Christin Emile.
The 14-page report from the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation says prosecutors would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ actions were unjustified.
The decision was based on a review of
body-worn and security camera footage, witness and officer interviews, ballistics evidence and legal analysis.
According to the report, officers were patrolling near Church Avenue and East 53rd Street in Brooklyn when they heard a loud argument. Investigators say Emile had what appeared to be a gun in his back pocket, later got into a parked car and came out holding a gun while yelling and pointing down the street.
Officers say Emile ran, weaving between parked cars, when three officers fired 11 shots, six of which struck him.
Emile’s mother, Tarnisha Woolard, says she cannot accept the conclusion and questions how the shooting could be considered justified, given that her son was running away from police.
The family’s attorney also disputes the attorney general’s legal reasoning, arguing the evidence shows Emile was shot at the same time he was struck with a Taser while running away.
The family has filed a civil lawsuit against the NYPD. The Civilian Complaint Review Board also investigated the case and recommended the lowest level of discipline. The final decision now rests with the NYPD commissioner.
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