Coy’s dismissal comes after a disciplinary hearing on Monday. The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Police represented Coy in sight.
“The information, evidence and statements of Chief (Thomas) Quinlan as an investigator are, in my view, indisputable. His disciplinary recommendation is well supported and appropriate,” Pettus said. “Adam Coy’s actions do not meet the oath of a Columbus police officer, nor the standards that we and the community demand of our officers.”
Coy fatally shot Hill, who was black, last Tuesday within seconds of his encounter, as Hill walked toward Coy holding an illuminated cell phone in his left hand, according to body camera footage released last week. past. Hill was unarmed.
Quinlan had recommended firing Coy. Quinlan said in a statement Monday that evidence against Coy provided “solid foundations” for the termination.
“That’s the aspect of accountability,” Quinlan said, adding that now Coy will have to answer to state investigators about Hill’s death.
Quinlan sought Coy’s shot because he shot Hill, but also because he didn’t activate the camera carried by the body when he answered the call or give help after shooting Hill. Coy turned on the camera after filming, and the camera’s reverse function captured the 60 seconds before Coy turned it on.
“Known facts do not establish that this use of deadly force was objectively reasonable. You have not been able to de-escalate and have not provided assistance,” Pettus wrote in his sentence.
Pettus said additional allegations of misconduct on Coy and other Columbus police officers who were at the scene will continue to be investigated and that the use of cameras carried by the body and the duty to provide assistance will be some of the actions that are being reviewed later. Columbus police have released only images from Coy’s camera.
“Because of the possibility of such cases being filed, and to protect the integrity and impartiality of this process and any future sentencing, it is not appropriate for them to make additional comments,” Pettus said.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther applauded the decision to fire Coy. The Ohio Office of Criminal Investigation is also reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.
“We now look forward to the BCI investigation, a presentation of the evidence to a grand jury and possible federal charges by the U.S. Department of Justice. We look forward to transparency, accountability and justice. The family and the entire community deserve it,” he said. dir Ginther. .