New York Attorney General Letitia James has released body-worn camera footage as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Hugh Davis. Davis died on August 13, 2025, after an encounter with officers from the Cheektowaga Police Department in Buffalo.
According to information provided by the Attorney General’s office, Cheektowaga police officers attempted to arrest Davis at his apartment around 12:45 p.m. for a previous alleged assault. When an officer knocked on Davis’ door, the door panel fell inward. Davis then emerged holding a knife and nearly struck an officer. A Cheektowaga officer fired his service weapon, hitting Davis, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a large kitchen-type knife from the location.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) within the Attorney General’s Office released footage from body-worn cameras used during the incident. This action follows Attorney General James’ policy that requires her office to make camera footage obtained during OSI investigations public in order to promote transparency and build public trust.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews every incident reported where a police or peace officer may have caused someone’s death through action or omission. The law applies regardless of whether the officer was on or off duty and whether or not the deceased was armed or in custody. If OSI determines there is reason to believe an officer may have caused a death, it launches a full investigation.
The Attorney General’s office stated: “The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.”
A warning accompanied the video noting that its content may be disturbing.
