Nyah Mway : Police Release Body Cam Footage of Fatal Teen Shooting; Family Demands Accountability

UTICA, N.Y. (WSYR) — Shocking footage from police officers’ uniform-worn cameras in Utica, New York, has been released, showing a 13-year-old boy pointing an object at them moments before he was tackled to the ground and fatally shot. The incident has sparked demands for justice from the boy’s grieving family.

On Friday night, police in Utica stopped two teenagers, aged 13, as they matched the description of suspects involved in recent robberies in the West Utica area. The officers also noted one of the teens violating state traffic laws by walking in the road.

“The suspects were described as Asian males who brandished a black firearm and forcibly demanded and stole property from victims,” the police department stated, “one being on foot and the other on a bicycle.”

Footage captured from the officers’ cameras shows an officer requesting to search the teenagers for weapons, leading to Nyah Mway attempting to flee from the officers who then chased him.

During the pursuit, Mway was seen allegedly pointing an object at the officers, prompting one officer to shout, “Gun! Gotta gun!” before the tragic events unfolded.

Officer Bryce Patterson tackled and engaged in a physical struggle with Nyah Mway, while Officer Patrick Husnay fired the fatal shot, as depicted in the body camera video.

Following the shooting, officers called for assistance and provided initial medical aid before an ambulance arrived. Utica Police Chief Mark Williams revealed in a news conference that the single shot struck the young boy in the chest.

Accompanying the video footage, the police released images displaying the weapon found near Mway’s body, later identified as a pellet gun with the brand name “Glock.”

Police Cooperation with Investigation

“We will fully cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office,” Chief Mark Williams assured on Saturday morning. “They will ultimately determine whether the shooting of the individual was justified or not.”

As per department policy following officer-involved shootings, the three officers implicated—Bryce Patterson, Andrew Citriniti, and Patrick Husnay—are on paid administrative leave.

Under New York law, the attorney general’s office is mandated to investigate all deaths caused by law enforcement actions. Concurrently, the Utica Police Department will scrutinize whether the officers adhered to protocols and training guidelines.

Chief Williams described the incident as “a tragic and traumatic event for all parties involved.”

Outcry for Accountability

Amid ongoing investigations, Nyah Mway’s family and concerned community members are demanding accountability for the teenager’s untimely death. Mway, born in Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority, has garnered support for justice.

Residents of Karen descent in Utica plan to convene with Mayor Michael P. Galime to voice their concerns, with community representative Daniel Cribb confirming the meeting. Requests for comments were directed to the mayor’s office.

At a vigil held in Mway’s honor, his brother, Lah, expressed a desire for the officers to face legal consequences, stating he won’t be satisfied until they “are put in jail,” as reported by Syracuse.com.

Nyah Mway and his family immigrated to the United States nine years ago, as revealed by speakers at the vigil, while attendees questioned the official narrative of the shooting.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Kay Klo remarked, “None of it adds up,” casting doubts on the reported sequence of events.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.