A former police officer, Adam Coy, was convicted of murder on Monday in the shooting of Andre Hill, a Black man who was holding a cell phone and keys when he was killed. The incident occurred nearly four years ago in Columbus, Ohio.
Coy, who served nearly 20 years with the Columbus police force, shot Hill four times in a garage. He claimed he thought Hill was holding a silver revolver and feared for his life. However, it was later revealed that Hill was unarmed, holding only a cell phone and keys.
Police body camera footage showed Hill coming out of a garage holding a cellphone in his left hand, with his right hand not visible, moments before he was fatally shot by Coy. Despite Hill following the officer's commands, Coy perceived him as a threat and opened fire.
After the shooting, it took almost 10 minutes before officers at the scene provided aid to Hill, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. The tragic incident led to widespread outrage and calls for police accountability.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the mayor of Columbus forced out the police chief, and the city reached a $10 million settlement with Hill's family, the largest in its history. Additionally, the Columbus City Council passed Andre's Law, requiring police officers to render immediate medical attention to injured suspects.
Prosecutors argued that Hill posed no threat to Coy and had complied with police instructions. Coy now faces a minimum of 15 years in prison for his actions.
Hill, a father and grandfather, was described as a devoted family man and skilled tradesman with aspirations of owning his own restaurant. In contrast, Coy had a history of complaints, with more than three dozen filed against him since joining the department, including multiple allegations of excessive force.
The verdict in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in law enforcement, as communities continue to seek justice for victims of police violence.
