New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has released a report concerning the death of Geoffrey Parris, who died following an encounter with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens on February 12, 2024. The investigation reviewed body-worn camera footage, audio from a 911 call, officer interviews, and conducted legal analysis. OSI concluded that it would not be possible to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer's actions were justified under New York law.
The incident began when NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots at an apartment in Queens. Upon arrival, Mr. Parris' brother opened the door for the officers. While some officers spoke with Mr. Parris' brother near the entrance, others went to check on Mr. Parris in his bedroom doorway. Officers initially decided to leave and classify the event as a domestic incident after speaking with him.
However, Mr. Parris' brother informed officers that Mr. Parris had pointed a black gun at his face. Officers returned to Mr. Parris' room and attempted to speak with him again. When he opened the door, an officer tried to grab him, prompting Mr. Parris to retreat and pick up what appeared to be a black gun. An officer instructed him to drop it before discharging their weapon, striking Mr. Parris who later died at a local hospital.
A BB gun was recovered at the scene by officers.
According to New York’s justification law, police can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it necessary against deadly physical force by another person. In this case, officers were responding to reports of gunshots and were informed that Mr. Parris had threatened his brother with a gun before failing to comply when ordered to drop what appeared to be a weapon during their second engagement with him.
Based on these circumstances and available evidence, OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued against the involved officer due to inability for prosecution beyond reasonable doubt regarding justification of deadly force used.