The murder trial of a former Columbus, Ohio, police officer, Adam Coy, is scheduled to commence on Thursday. Coy was dismissed from the Columbus Division of Police after fatally shooting Andre Maurice Hill, an unarmed Black man, on December 22, 2020. The incident, captured on body camera footage, occurred as Hill approached Coy holding an illuminated cell phone.
Following the shooting, Coy failed to activate his body camera until after the incident, resulting in crucial moments leading up to the shooting being undocumented. Coy was indicted in February 2021 on charges of murder, felonious assault, and dereliction of duty. The trial, which began with jury selection in Franklin County, Ohio, was postponed in April 2023 due to Coy undergoing cancer treatment.
The shooting took place as Columbus police responded to a non-emergency disturbance call. Body camera footage shows Hill walking towards Coy with an illuminated phone, prompting Coy to draw his firearm. Despite claims of a gun, no weapon was found at the scene. Hill tragically passed away later that morning at a hospital.
The city of Columbus reached a $10 million settlement with Hill's family, the largest payout in such a case. Attorney Benjamin Crump, representing Hill's family, emphasized that Hill was unarmed and posed no threat.
The incident drew parallels to the death of George Floyd and other police-involved shootings, sparking outrage and protests. Hill's family expressed a desire for Coy to be convicted on all charges, seeking justice for their loved one.
The trial is expected to shed light on the events leading to Hill's tragic death and the actions of the former police officer. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by the community and advocates for police accountability.
