– Family accountability for NY police killing of 13-year-old boy
– Police shooting of 13-year-old boy in NY prompts demands for accountability.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
On Wednesday, Nyah Mway completed his studies at a middle school in the central New York city where his family relocated about ten years ago as refugees from Myanmar, according to relatives.
However, the joyous occasion quickly turned to tragedy on Friday night when the 13-year-old was fatally shot by police after allegedly pointing what was later determined to be a BB gun at them during a foot chase.
Struggling to come to terms with his untimely death, Nyah’s grieving family and members of their immigrant community are now calling for justice and police accountability.
Family’s Hopes Dashed
Lay Htoo, who identified himself as one of Nyah’s cousins, expressed the family’s shattered hopes, stating, “We came to the United States to pursue education and better opportunities, hoping for a peaceful life after the turmoil and violence in Myanmar.”
Instead of celebrating Nyah’s graduation to high school, his parents are left waiting for his body to be released by the medical examiners, grappling with the uncertainty of the officers’ fate.
“They want them to be held accountable and face the consequences,” the cousin remarked during a phone interview.
Community Seeks Answers
As investigations by the state attorney general and the Utica Police Department are underway, Nyah’s relatives and other local members of Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority are planning to meet with Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime to demand answers and seek justice.
The incident took place in Utica, a city that has seen an influx of refugees from various countries in recent decades, including over 4,200 individuals from Myanmar, as reported by The Center, a nonprofit organization aiding in refugee resettlement.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to the police, Nyah and another 13-year-old boy were stopped on Friday night based on descriptions of suspects in an armed robbery from the previous day and for jaywalking. The police department, citing the ongoing investigation, has not released the armed robbery report and suspect description.
Body camera footage shows an officer attempting to pat down the teens for weapons, after which Nyah flees, turns back, and appears to point a black object at the officers. The officers, mistaking it for a handgun, opened fire, only to later discover it was a BB or pellet gun resembling a real firearm.
The shooting, which resulted in Nyah being struck in the chest, has sparked outrage and calls for police reform within the community.
Seeking Justice for Nyah
Isabella Moo, Nyah’s cousin, criticised the police narrative, stating, “The attempt to paint him as a criminal and protect the officers is unjust.” She added, “The escalation should never have occurred, and our law enforcement must undergo better training to prevent such tragedies from happening to children.”
Coming from a background of conflict in Myanmar, Nyah’s family sought refuge in Thailand before resettling in the United States. The teenager, known for his passion for math, soccer, and spending time with friends, was described as a diligent student and caring older sibling.
His family remains in shock and disbelief, with Nyah’s mother unable to sleep and constantly in tears since his tragic death.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, the calls for justice and police accountability continue to echo through the streets of Utica.
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Family demands accountability for NY police killing of 13-year-old boy
Police shooting of 13-year-old boy in NY sparks family demands for accountability.
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