The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report on Mar. 20 regarding the death of Akintunde Campbell, who died on July 31, 2025, after an encounter with Rochester Police Department officers in Rochester.
The release of this report is significant as it addresses public concerns about police use of force and transparency in investigations involving law enforcement. The OSI conducted a thorough investigation that included reviewing 911 calls, body-worn camera footage, crime scene analysis, officer interviews, a ballistics report, and legal analysis.
According to the report, officers responded to Ernestine Street following reports of a man looking into cars. They encountered Mr. Campbell, who matched the description from the calls. After speaking briefly with him and noticing a bulge in his hoodie pocket believed to be a weapon, officers attempted to detain him. A struggle followed; Mr. Campbell broke away but kept his hand in his pocket. Officers drew their guns and repeatedly asked what was in his pocket. Mr. Campbell then pulled out a gun and did not comply with commands to drop it. Both officers fired their weapons, striking Mr. Campbell, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The OSI concluded that “a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.” The justification law allows police to use deadly physical force if they reasonably believe it necessary for defense against deadly force by another person.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The agency operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy organization for New York according to its official website, promoting social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. It also protects residents by ensuring public safety and defending civil rights according to its official website. Services provided include consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, with regional offices addressing local legal issues across the state according to its official website.
This case highlights ongoing scrutiny over police encounters resulting in fatalities and underscores the role of independent investigations in maintaining accountability.
