Fatal Utica Shooting Death of Refugee Teen – Obituary
A tragic incident unfolded in Utica on Friday evening when a 13-year-old boy, identified as a refugee from Myanmar and an eighth grader at Donovan Middle School, was shot and killed by police. According to Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, the incident occurred on Shaw Street around 10:18 p.m. during a police investigation led by the Crime Prevention Unit.
Police attempted to stop the boy and another juvenile when one of them attempted to flee. During the pursuit, a ground struggle ensued, during which the boy reportedly brandished what appeared to be a handgun. In response, an officer discharged their weapon, striking the boy. It was later discovered that the firearm was a replica Glock 17 Gen 5 pellet gun with a detachable magazine.
Following the shooting, the boy was rushed to Wynn Hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the victim was confirmed by Lieutenant Michael Curley, a spokesperson for the Utica Police Department, who expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
In the aftermath of the incident, emotions ran high at a press conference held Saturday morning at Utica City Hall, where community members voiced criticism of the police’s actions. Some residents, like Joyce Cortez, questioned the necessity of the use of force, citing that the boy was already restrained. Others, such as Kay Klo, expressed frustration and demanded transparency and justice from authorities.
Mayor Mike Galime defended the officers involved, emphasizing the challenging nature of police work and expressing confidence in their professionalism. Meanwhile, the New York State Attorney General’s Office announced it would conduct an investigation into the shooting, parallel to an internal investigation by the Utica Police Department to assess adherence to protocols and training.
In response to public demand, police pledged to release a comprehensive overview of the incident through a critical incident brief, as well as full body-worn camera footage from the involved officers. They noted that while social media videos of the incident circulated, they did not capture the entire sequence of events.
The officers implicated in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending further developments, with their identities withheld until the victim’s next of kin have been notified.
Utica Police Chief Williams acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on all parties involved, describing it as tragic and traumatic. Kathleen Davis, interim superintendent of the Utica City School District, echoed this sentiment in a statement, extending condolences to the victim’s family and expressing sadness over the loss.
The community awaits further details as investigations proceed, seeking clarity and accountability amidst a backdrop of grief and unrest.