The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on April 14 the findings from its investigation into the death of Royston Bacchus, who died following an encounter with New York City Police Department officers in Brooklyn on October 5, 2025. OSI concluded that there is insufficient evidence to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers’ use of deadly force was justified under current law. A final Investigation Report will be released at a later date.
The incident began when NYPD officers responded to a 911 call at a residence on East 86th Street. Upon arrival, they encountered Mr. Bacchus exiting the building and pursued him to Coventry Road. During the pursuit, Mr. Bacchus held a gun and did not comply with repeated commands from officers to drop it. According to OSI’s account, Mr. Bacchus said “Shoot me” while continuing to hold his weapon before an officer discharged his service weapon, striking him. Mr. Bacchus was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, and police recovered a gun at the scene.
Footage from an officer’s body-worn camera captured key moments of the incident.
OSI investigates all cases reported where police or peace officers may have caused someone’s death by action or omission as required by New York State Executive Law Section 70-b. If initial assessments indicate possible officer involvement in such deaths, OSI conducts full investigations into these incidents.
The Office of Special Investigation sometimes issues Notifications of Investigative Findings before releasing its final reports if evidence and legal analysis are clear upon completion of their inquiries.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The agency operates as both public law enforcement and legal advocacy for New York according to the official website, promoting social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to the official website. It also provides services such as consumer fraud investigations, charities oversight, tenant dispute mediation according to the official website, protects public safety and civil rights according to the official website, and addresses local legal issues through regional offices statewide according to the official website.
