New York City officers cleared of charges in fatal shooting of 19-year-old man

Two New York City police officers will not be criminally charged in the death of a 19-year-old man during a mental health crisis last year, despite pleas from his mother and brother to avoid using deadly force, according to the office of State Attorney General Letitia James.

Win Rozario was shot five times by the officers at his family home in Queens on March 27, 2024. Body camera footage shows Rozario advancing toward the officers while holding scissors. A family member had called 911, reporting, I think my son is on drugs and is acting mad erratic.

The Office of Special Investigation concluded that prosecutors could not disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers use of deadly force was justified, and therefore no charges will be filed. The report noted that the officers fear for their safety when confronted by Rozario with scissors was legally reasonable.

Officers Salvatore Alongi and Matthew Cianfrocco still face an internal disciplinary review by the Civilian Complaint Review Board over allegations of excessive force, as well as a civil lawsuit filed by Rozarios family.

Rozarios family criticized the decision not to prosecute. In a statement released by the Justice Committee, they described the attorney generals choice as cowardly and expressed that the loss of their son and brother feels like reliving the tragedy. They argued that the NYPD should not engage with individuals experiencing mental health crises in the manner that led to Rozarios death.

The report from the attorney generals office recommended expanding a pilot program that deploys paramedics and mental health professionals to respond first to mental health emergencies. It also called for additional officer training and proposed legislation to allow public health-based interventions for crises involving mental health, substance use, or alcohol.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has pledged to increase mental health services citywide, including deploying health professionals to respond to 911 calls reporting mental health crises. He called Rozarios death a senseless tragedy and emphasized that officers could still face discipline. Mamdani reiterated the citys commitment to preventing similar incidents and improving public safety and social services.

According to body camera footage, the confrontation began when Rozario picked up scissors and advanced toward the officers. A Taser was used initially, and his mother intervened to take the scissors away. Despite her pleas to avoid shooting, the situation escalated, leading to the officers discharging their firearms while Rozario moved toward them. His younger brother was present, pleading for his mothers safety.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association of New York City, supported the attorney generals decision, stating that the officers faced an extremely difficult situation and had to make split-second decisions to protect everyone involved.

Author: Connor Blake