Nyah Mway : “Utica Police Fatally Shoot 13-Year-Old”

Bodycam footage of a police officer in upstate Utica fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy was released by authorities on Saturday night, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

Tragic Incident Unfolds

The incident unfolded as officers believed the teen, identified as Nyah Mway, was carrying a handgun as he ran away from police. The bodycam video showed the teen holding what appeared to be a weapon, prompting Officer Patrick Husnay to open fire, ultimately resulting in the tragic death of Nyah Mway.

However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that the teen was only carrying a pellet gun, not a lethal firearm as initially suspected by law enforcement.

Police Investigation

Authorities described the pellet gun as a replica firearm with realistic Glock markings, detachable magazine, and serial numbers, but clarified that it only fired pellets or BBs, emphasizing the non-lethal nature of the weapon.

The incident occurred in Utica, located approximately 80 miles west of Albany, where officers had stopped Nyah Mway and another teen in connection with an armed robbery investigation. As the officers moved to search the teens for weapons, Nyah Mway fled, leading to the fatal confrontation.

Officer Response

Officer Bryce Patterson, who was involved in the pursuit, identified Nyah Mway carrying the replica weapon and alerted his colleagues, shouting, “Gun! He’s got a gun!” moments before the fatal shot was fired.

Officer Husnay, the officer who ultimately shot Nyah Mway, has been placed on paid leave, along with Officers Patterson and Andrew Citriniti. State Attorney General Letitia James and the Utica Police Department are conducting investigations into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Community Mourning

Nyah Mway, an eighth-grade student at a local middle school, was a refugee from Myanmar and a member of the Karen ethnic minority. The tragic incident has sparked sorrow and anger in the community, with many calling for accountability and justice for Nyah Mway and his family.

In a statement, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams expressed his condolences to the family of Nyah Mway, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the incident and the impact it has had on all involved.

Call for Justice

As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of Nyah Mway, there are growing calls for transparency, accountability, and justice in the handling of the case. The release of the bodycam footage has shed light on the events leading up to the fatal shooting, prompting a deeper examination of police practices and procedures.

With News Wire Services