The Tragic Death of Nyah Mway: A 13-Year-Old Boy Shot by Utica Police
On a Friday night in June, a routine police stop in Utica, New York, took a tragic turn, ending in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway. The incident has sparked outrage and protests, raising critical questions about police tactics, racial bias, and the use of deadly force against young people.
Nyah and a friend were walking on the street when they were stopped by Utica police officers. The officers were looking for suspects in recent armed robberies, and Nyah and his friend fit the general description of the suspects. During the encounter, an officer asked to pat frisk Nyah, but he ran away. A foot chase ensued, and police claim that Nyah pointed what appeared to be a gun at the officers. It turned out to be a pellet gun designed to look like a Glock handgun.
The chase ended with Nyah being tackled to the ground. While struggling with officers, Nyah was shot in the chest by one of the officers. He died at the hospital. The three officers involved in the incident are currently on paid leave, and the state Attorney General’s Office is investigating the shooting.
A Timeline of the Incident
Body camera footage from the officers involved, along with a video recorded by a witness, provides a chilling glimpse into the events that led to Nyah’s death. The video shows the following sequence:
- 0:17: Officer Bryce Patterson stops Nyah and his friend. He asks Nyah twice to keep his hands out of his pockets.
- 0:41: Nyah runs. Patterson chases after him, telling dispatchers that Nyah is reaching for his waistband. Nyah turns and points the gun at Patterson.
- 0:45: Patterson yells to officers Patrick Husnay and Andrew Citriniti that Nyah has a gun.
- 0:49: Patterson tackles Nyah. Husnay’s body camera footage shows the gun is still in Nyah’s hand.
- 0:54: Witnesses capture the moment Patterson tackles Nyah on camera. The two begin to struggle on the ground.
- 1:03: Husnay runs up to Patterson and Nyah, who are struggling on the ground. Husnay yells for Nyah to drop the gun, kneels next to them, and shoots Nyah in the chest.
- 1:09: Husnay tells Patterson and Citriniti that they need to put a chest seal on the wound in Nyah’s chest.
- 1:16: Husnay examines Nyah’s handgun, stating he thinks it is a .22 caliber Glock.
- 1:33: Patterson tells Husnay and Citriniti that he doesn’t know if Nyah shot him or not.
- 1:50: Patterson asks Husnay if there were any more shots. Husnay says, “Just one shot, it was me.”
- 2:00: Patterson starts chest compressions about a minute and thirty seconds after Nyah is shot.
- 2:12: Citriniti takes the firearm from Husnay.
- 2:47: Officers again ask Patterson what happened. He relays the details of the stop and explains why he asked to pat frisk Nyah.
- 3:27: The ambulance takes Nyah to the hospital.
The Aftermath: Protests and Calls for Justice
Nyah’s death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Hundreds of people gathered at the scene of the shooting to mourn his death and demand accountability from the police department. Protests have also been held at Utica City Hall, with demonstrators calling for a thorough investigation and for the officers involved to be held responsible.
Nyah’s family and friends are demanding answers as to why the boy was shot. They question the officers’ actions, highlighting the fact that Nyah was a 13-year-old child who posed no imminent threat to the officers. They argue that the police used excessive force and that the shooting was unjustified.
A Nation Divided: The Debate Over Police Brutality and Racial Bias
Nyah’s death is a tragic reminder of the ongoing debate over police brutality and racial bias in the United States. The incident has reignited conversations about the need for police reform, particularly in the area of de-escalation tactics and the use of deadly force. It has also highlighted the disproportionate impact of police violence on communities of color.
The case has sparked a national conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Many are calling for stricter policies on the use of force, increased training for officers, and independent investigations of police shootings. The debate over police brutality and racial bias is likely to continue, with Nyah’s death serving as a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing these issues.
The Future of Policing: A Call for Change
The tragic death of Nyah Mway underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the way we approach policing in the United States. We must move away from a system that relies on fear and force and towards one that prioritizes community safety, de-escalation, and accountability. This requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:
- Investing in community-based policing: This involves building trust and relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It requires officers to be trained in de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity.
- Implementing stricter policies on the use of force: These policies should clearly define when deadly force is justified and should be based on evidence-based practices. They should also include mechanisms for independent oversight and accountability.
- Investing in mental health and social services: Many encounters with law enforcement involve individuals experiencing mental health crises or substance abuse issues. By investing in mental health and social services, we can reduce the need for police intervention in these situations.
- Promoting transparency and accountability: This includes releasing body camera footage and other evidence in a timely manner, conducting independent investigations of police shootings, and holding officers accountable for misconduct.
The future of policing in the United States is at a crossroads. We have a choice to continue down a path of fear and force, or to embrace a new vision of public safety that prioritizes community well-being, de-escalation, and accountability. Nyah’s death is a tragic reminder that we must choose the latter.