New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a Notification of Investigative Findings concerning the death of Kent Edwards. Edwards died on December 14, 2023, after an encounter with New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Manhattan. The OSI concluded that it would be challenging for a prosecutor to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers' use of deadly force was justified under the law. A comprehensive Investigation Report will be published subsequently.
The incident occurred at 2:09 p.m. on December 14, 2023, when an NYPD Emergency Service Unit detective shot and killed Edwards in an apartment at 206 Eldridge Street, Manhattan. Edwards fired four shots at the officers, hitting two ballistic shields and grazing an officer's vest. A firearm was retrieved from his hand post-shooting, with DNA tests confirming his ownership of the weapon. Ballistics confirmed that Edwards discharged at least four shots.
Edwards was under investigation for a shooting on October 18, 2023. On December 14, police tracked his cell phone to the Eldridge Street address. At approximately 11:46 a.m., officers arrived and were informed by Edwards' roommate that he was inside and armed.
Officers attempted negotiations from outside the apartment for over two hours and used electronic devices to visually locate Edwards. Upon entering, Edwards emerged from a bathroom and opened fire on them, prompting a detective to shoot him.
The entire incident was recorded on body-worn cameras used by the officers involved.
According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews incidents where police or peace officers may have caused a person's death through action or omission. This applies whether the officer is on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the deceased was armed or unarmed or in custody. If evidence suggests potential officer involvement in causing death, OSI conducts a thorough investigation.
When evidence and legal analysis are conclusive, OSI issues a Notification of Investigative Findings as part of its process before releasing a final report as mandated by law.