Nyah Mway : “Family Demands Accountability for NY Police Killing of 13-Year-Old”

On Wednesday, Nyah Mway completed his middle school education in a central New York city, where his family had relocated around ten years ago as refugees from Myanmar. However, the joyous occasion quickly turned tragic as the 13-year-old was fatally shot by police on Friday night, following a foot chase where he allegedly pointed what was later revealed to be a BB gun at them.

Struggling to come to terms with his untimely death, Nyah’s devastated relatives and members of their immigrant community are demanding justice for him and accountability for the police officers involved in the incident.

Lay Htoo, who identified himself as one of Nyah’s cousins, expressed the family’s hopes of finding peace and opportunities in the United States after fleeing the violence in Myanmar. Instead of planning for Nyah’s high school journey, his parents are now awaiting the release of his body and questioning the fate of the officers responsible for his death.

As investigations by the state attorney general and the Utica Police Department are underway, Nyah’s relatives and local members of Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority are scheduled to meet with Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime to seek answers and demand justice.

The incident took place in Utica, a city that has seen an influx of refugees from various countries in recent years, contributing to its revitalization. With a significant population from Myanmar residing in Utica, the community is now grappling with the loss of a promising young life.

According to the police account, Nyah and another 13-year-old boy were stopped due to their resemblance to suspects in an armed robbery case and one of the teens jaywalking. The subsequent events led to a confrontation where Nyah was tackled and shot by a police officer.

The use of a BB gun by Nyah, mistaken for a real handgun by the officers, has sparked debates about police training and response protocols. The tragic outcome has raised concerns about the escalation of force and the need for better law enforcement practices.

Nyah’s family’s journey from Myanmar to Thailand and eventually to the United States underscores the challenges faced by refugees seeking safety and opportunities in a new country. His passion for learning, sports, and community involvement paints a picture of a bright future cut short by a tragic turn of events.

As Nyah’s loved ones mourn his loss and seek closure, the call for justice and reform in policing practices resonates not only within their community but also across the nation. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions.