New York Attorney General Letitia James has released body-worn camera footage related to the death of Nancy Loftus, who died after an encounter with New York State Police (NYSP) in Orange County on April 12, 2025.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI), a division within the Attorney General’s Office, made public the footage as part of its ongoing investigation. This release is in line with Attorney General James’ policy that body-worn camera footage obtained during OSI investigations be shared with the public to promote transparency and build trust.
According to officials, NYSP troopers responded at about 2:30 a.m. on April 12 to a 911 call reporting an assault involving a knife at a residence in Deerpark. Upon arrival, troopers encountered Nancy Loftus outside the home holding what appeared to be a gun. Officers repeatedly told her to drop the weapon and raise her hands before firing their service weapons, striking Loftus. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Authorities later recovered a pellet gun at the scene.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI reviews all incidents where law enforcement may have caused someone’s death through action or omission, regardless of whether officers were on duty or if the decedent was armed or unarmed, in custody or not. If OSI determines that an officer might have caused the death, it conducts a full investigation into the incident.
Attorney General James 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.”
Officials also cautioned that the video contains material some viewers may find disturbing.
