Nyah Mway : “Utica Police Accountability for 13-Year-Old’s Death”

UTICA, N.Y. — The community of Utica, New York, was left reeling after the tragic death of 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who was fatally shot by police on Friday night. Nyah, a refugee from Myanmar, had just finished middle school and was preparing to start high school before his life was cut short in a confrontation with law enforcement.

Nyah’s family had moved to Utica about a decade ago, seeking a peaceful life after fleeing decades of strife and violence in Myanmar. His relatives and members of the immigrant community in Utica are now demanding justice for Nyah and accountability for the police officers involved in the shooting.

According to Lay Htoo, one of Nyah’s cousins, the family had come to the United States with hopes of education and a better future. Instead of celebrating Nyah’s achievements, they are now mourning his loss and seeking answers about the circumstances that led to his death.

Community Calls for Justice

Members of Utica’s immigrant community, particularly those from Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority, are planning to meet with Mayor Michael P. Galime to discuss the shooting. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for reform within the city’s police department.

Utica, a city that has welcomed thousands of refugees from various countries, including Myanmar, has been grappling with the aftermath of Nyah’s death. The shooting has raised questions about police procedures and the use of force in diverse communities.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting occurred on Friday night when Nyah and another 13-year-old boy were stopped by police for matching the description of suspects in an armed robbery. During the encounter, Nyah allegedly pointed a BB gun at the officers, leading to a confrontation that ended in tragedy.

Body camera footage showed one officer tackling Nyah to the ground, while another officer, believing the BB gun to be a real firearm, fired a fatal shot. The incident has raised concerns about the escalation of force and the need for better police training in handling such situations.

Seeking Answers and Accountability

As investigations into the shooting continue, Nyah’s family and supporters are seeking answers about the events that led to his death. They are calling for transparency from the authorities and accountability for the officers involved in the incident.

Amidst the grief and anger, the community is coming together to mourn Nyah’s loss and to demand justice for the young boy whose life was cut short in a tragic and unnecessary manner.

Background on Nyah Mway

Nyah Mway’s family fled Myanmar about two decades ago, seeking refuge in Thailand before immigrating to the United States. Nyah, who was born in a refugee camp, was described as a bright and curious young boy who enjoyed math, soccer, and spending time with friends.

His family, who are Buddhists, had hoped for a better life in America, only to be confronted with the devastating loss of their son. As the community rallies around Nyah’s memory, they are determined to seek justice and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.