The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has launched an inquiry into the death of Akintunde Campbell, who died after an encounter with the Rochester Police Department on July 31, 2025.
According to information released by the Attorney General’s office, officers from the Rochester Police Department responded at approximately 7:37 p.m. to several 911 calls about a man reportedly looking into homes and cars on Ernestine Street in Rochester. Officers located Mr. Campbell on a sidewalk in the area described by callers. A brief struggle took place before Mr. Campbell walked away from police and allegedly showed a black handgun. Officers ordered Mr. Campbell to put down the weapon, but he did not comply. Police then fired their service weapons, striking Mr. Campbell, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered nearby.
The OSI is required under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b to review every case where a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death through action or omission. This requirement applies whether the officer is on or off duty, regardless of whether the deceased was armed or unarmed, and whether they were in custody or not. If OSI determines that an officer may have been involved in causing a death, it conducts a full investigation.
“These are preliminary facts and subject to change,” according to the statement from the Attorney General’s office.
