New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a report regarding the death of Woody Smith, who died following an encounter with Troy Police Department officers on October 13, 2023. The investigation involved examining police body-worn camera footage, interviewing civilian witnesses, and conducting a comprehensive legal analysis.
The OSI concluded that it would not be possible to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers' use of force directly caused Mr. Smith's death. Consequently, no criminal charges will be pursued against the officers involved.
The incident began when two TPD officers responded to a trespassing report at a residence in Troy. They observed Mr. Smith climbing out of a first-floor window and ordered him to get on the ground while drawing their guns. A struggle ensued as they attempted to handcuff Mr. Smith, during which he expressed difficulty breathing. After being handcuffed and rolled onto his side by the officers, Mr. Smith became unresponsive. Despite receiving first aid from the officers until EMS arrived, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The medical examiner determined that Mr. Smith's death resulted from acute drug intoxication combined with pre-existing health conditions and exertion during the struggle with the officers. No evidence of asphyxia was found, nor did the body-worn camera videos suggest that the restraint actions by officers were responsible for his death.
According to New York's justification law, police are allowed to use physical force if they reasonably believe it necessary during an arrest attempt for a crime. Evidence indicated there was cause for such belief in this case due to reports of an intruder and observations made by officers upon arrival at the scene.
While acknowledging that the struggle may have contributed to Mr. Smith's death, OSI determined there is insufficient proof linking officer actions directly to his demise.