New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the sentencing of former New York City Police Department Officer Tyler Paul. Paul, 25, from Queens County, was sentenced for his involvement in a fatal accident that resulted in the death of Kawan Edwards. The incident occurred while Paul was speeding on the Grand Central Parkway in Queens.
On December 11, 2024, Paul pleaded guilty to charges including Criminally Negligent Homicide and Assault in the Second and Third Degrees before Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis. As part of his plea agreement, Paul received sentences of one to three years for Criminally Negligent Homicide; three and a half years with three years of post-release supervision for Assault in the Second Degree; and 364 days for Assault in the Third Degree. All sentences will run concurrently, and Paul has waived his right to appeal.
The events leading to these charges took place on April 26, 2023. While off-duty, Paul was driving his personal car at high speed when he changed lanes without signaling. This maneuver caused a collision with another vehicle and led him to lose control. His car then struck Mr. Edwards, who was working as a contractor for the Department of Transportation at that time.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, every incident involving police officers or peace officers potentially causing death is assessed by OSI (Office of Special Investigation). The law applies regardless of whether the officer was on-duty or off-duty or if the deceased person was armed or unarmed.