Additional Coverage:
**Fatal Shooting of 19-Year-Old by NYPD Prompts Release of Bodycam Footage**
In a significant development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has made public bodycam footage capturing a tragic incident involving New York Police Department officers and a 19-year-old individual armed with scissors. The fatal encounter, which led to the death of Win Rozario on March 27th, has sparked a wave of controversy and calls for justice.
The incident began with a 911 call placed by Win Rozario, which tragically culminated in his shooting in his home in Queens. Responding to the call, Officers Cianfranco and Alongi arrived at the scene, as documented in the bodycam footage released. The video provides a vivid account of the moments leading up to the shooting, showing Rozario having what has been described as an episode, and wielding scissors in a manner perceived as threatening by the responding officers.
According to the footage, the officers attempted to subdue Rozario initially using a taser, a non-lethal method aimed at de-escalating the situation. However, as Rozario continued to advance towards them with the scissors, the officers resorted to using their firearms, resulting in Rozario being shot and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
In the wake of this incident, the NYPD has placed Officers Cianfranco and Alongi on modified assignments pending a thorough investigation into the events that unfolded. This move underscores the seriousness with which the department is treating this incident, acknowledging the public’s demand for accountability and transparency.
The release of the bodycam footage by Attorney General Letitia James marks a crucial step in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Rozario’s death. It offers a firsthand look at the challenges and split-second decisions law enforcement officers often face, as well as the tragic outcomes that can result from confrontations involving individuals in distress.
The family of Win Rozario has publicly stated their belief that the shooting was unnecessary and are calling for the officers involved to be tried for murder, bringing the case into the judicial realm as debates around policing practices and mental health responses continue to intensify.
This incident has once again raised critical questions about how law enforcement interacts with individuals experiencing mental health crises and the use of force in such situations. As the investigation progresses, many are watching closely, hoping for justice, answers, and steps toward preventing similar tragedies in the future.