The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated an investigation into the death of Nancy Loftus. Loftus passed away on April 12, 2025, following an encounter with New York State Police (NYSP) officers in Orange County.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. when NYSP troopers responded to a 911 call about an assault involving a knife at a Deerpark residence in Orange County. Upon arrival, troopers found Loftus outside the house holding what appeared to be a firearm. Despite instructions to drop the weapon, Loftus was shot when troopers discharged their service weapons. She was transported to a local hospital where she was declared dead. An imitation pistol was recovered at the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews every incident in which a police officer or peace officer might have contributed to a person's death through an act or omission. This law applies whether the officer was on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the deceased was armed, unarmed, in custody, or incarcerated. If OSI's evaluation suggests a potential cause by an officer, a full investigation is launched.
The facts of this case are preliminary and may be updated as the investigation continues.