New York Attorney General Letitia James has made public body-worn camera footage as part of an investigation into the death of Mark Bemis. Bemis died on June 18, 2025, after an encounter with deputies from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in Chautauqua County.
The footage was released by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) within the Attorney General’s office. This action aligns with Attorney General James’ policy to release such footage during OSI investigations to enhance transparency and public trust.
On June 18, CCSO deputies responded to a domestic incident call in Mina. They found Mr. Bemis outside a house near an open garage holding a long gun. An exchange of gunfire occurred between Mr. Bemis and the deputies, resulting in his death. A shotgun was recovered at the scene.
According to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews incidents where law enforcement officers might have caused a death through action or inaction. The review applies whether officers are on-duty or off-duty and regardless of whether the deceased was armed or not, or in custody.
Releasing this footage does not imply any judgment regarding guilt or innocence in any criminal matter, nor does it suggest how charges might be pursued.
A warning accompanies the video due to potentially disturbing content.
