New York Attorney General Letitia James has released police body-worn camera footage and security footage obtained as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Andre Joseph Mayfield. Mayfield died on May 26, 2024, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn.
At approximately 2:20 a.m. on May 26, two NYPD officers were in a marked patrol vehicle at the intersection of Central Avenue and Eldert Street in Brooklyn after responding to a previous unrelated call. Upon exiting the patrol vehicle, the officers encountered Mr. Mayfield, who was standing near the patrol vehicle holding a knife. The officers deployed a taser, which caused Mr. Mayfield to fall. Mr. Mayfield then stood up and approached the officers with the knife. The officers discharged their firearms, striking Mr. Mayfield. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office released videos from body-worn cameras that the NYPD officers were equipped with during the incident and footage from a nearby security camera. This release follows Attorney General James’ directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be made public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
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 corrections officers, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under this law, whether on-duty or off-duty, armed or unarmed, in custody or not, if OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds with a full investigation.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion regarding guilt or innocence in any criminal matter nor does it suggest how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: This video contains content that viewers may find disturbing.