Nyah Mway : “Who was Nyah Mway? 13-year-old Utica boy shot by police”

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Utica, New York, when a 13-year-old boy named Nyah Mway was fatally shot by a police officer. The incident began with a police foot chase after Nyah and another juvenile fled from officers. Nyah was accused of displaying what appeared to be a handgun during the chase. The tragic event has sparked outrage in the community and led to demands for justice.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place late on a Friday night when Utica police officers conducted a pedestrian stop of Nyah and another youth in a residential area. During the stop, Nyah fled from the officers and allegedly displayed a replica GLOCK 17 handgun. In response, a police officer fired a single shot, hitting Nyah. The young boy was taken to the hospital but tragically succumbed to his injuries.

Body Camera Footage and Police Response

In response to the incident, the Utica Police Department released body camera footage showing the events leading up to the shooting. The footage depicts officers approaching Nyah and the other youth, with Nyah fleeing and officers giving chase. The footage shows the moment when the officer fired the fatal shot at Nyah, who was on the ground.

Who is Nyah Mway?

Nyah Mway was a 13-year-old boy who had recently graduated from 8th grade at Donovan Middle School. He was a member of the Karen ethnic minority and a refugee born in Myanmar. The shooting has caused outrage in the Karen immigrant community in Utica, with calls for justice and accountability for the actions of the police officers involved.

Investigations Underway

Following the shooting, both internal police investigations and a state investigation have been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding Nyah’s death. The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigations is leading the criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, while the Utica Police Department is conducting an internal review to assess compliance with policies and procedures.

Community Response and Vigil

The tragic incident has prompted a strong response from the community, with hundreds attending a candlelight vigil to honour Nyah’s memory. Speakers at the vigil called for a thorough investigation of the police officers’ actions and for accountability in the case. The Karen immigrant community in Utica has been particularly vocal in demanding justice for Nyah.

Location and Background of Utica

Utica is a city located in Mohawk Valley, New York, with a population of around 65,000 residents. Situated between the Adirondack Mountains and Catskill Mountains, Utica is the county seat of Oneida County and is approximately 95 miles west of Albany. The city has a diverse population, including a significant number of refugees and immigrants from countries like Myanmar.