The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has initiated an inquiry into the death of Nyah Mway, who passed away on June 29, 2024, following an encounter with the Utica Police Department (UPD) in Utica.
In the early hours of June 29, UPD officers approached 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who reportedly displayed what appeared to be a handgun. A struggle ensued during which an officer discharged his service weapon, striking Mway. Mway was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a BB gun at the scene.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Additionally, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident. These are preliminary facts and subject to change.