The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation announced on Apr. 17 that it has opened an investigation into the death of Marcus Burks, who died following an encounter with law enforcement officers in Newburgh, Orange County.
The investigation addresses concerns about police interactions resulting in civilian deaths and follows procedures outlined by state law for such incidents. The Attorney General’s Office said it had been conducting a preliminary assessment but moved to a full investigation after receiving new information.
According to the statement, at approximately 10:32 p.m. on January 1, a New York State Police trooper attempted to stop Mr. Burks for a nonworking headlight on State Route 17K. Mr. Burks allegedly did not stop and drove away at high speed before being involved in a crash with another vehicle. Officers from both the State Police and City of Newburgh Police Department responded to the scene, where they attempted to restrain Mr. Burks using pepper spray and at least one Taser device. He became unresponsive during this process and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, the Office of Special Investigation is required to assess every incident reported where police or peace officers may have caused a person’s death by action or omission, regardless of whether the officer was on duty or off duty or whether the individual was armed or unarmed.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The agency promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website, while also protecting public safety, defending civil rights, upholding consumer protections, and preserving the environment according to its official website. It operates regional offices across New York state addressing local legal issues according to its official website and provides services such as consumer fraud investigations, charities oversight, and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website. The office serves as both a public law enforcement entity and legal advocacy agency for residents statewide according to its official website.
“These are preliminary facts and subject to change,” said officials from the Attorney General’s Office.
