The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has launched an investigation into the death of Gary Dean Worthy. Mr. Worthy died on November 19, 2024, after an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens.
On that evening, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting a robbery in Queens. Upon arrival, a witness identified Mr. Worthy as the alleged robber. During the confrontation that followed, gunfire was exchanged between Mr. Worthy and the officers. Mr. Worthy was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officers at the scene recovered a gun believed to belong to Mr. Worthy.
One officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and received treatment at a local hospital before being released.
According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI evaluates every reported incident where police or peace officers may have caused someone's death through action or omission. The law applies regardless of whether officers are on-duty or off-duty and irrespective of whether the deceased individual is armed or unarmed, in custody, or incarcerated.
"These are preliminary facts and subject to change," noted OSI regarding their ongoing assessment.