Coy’s termination follows a disciplinary hearing on Monday. The local branch of the Fraternal Order of Police represented Coy at the hearing.
“The information, evidence and statements from Chief (Thomas) Quinlan as the investigator are, in my opinion, indisputable. His disciplinary recommendation is well-supported and appropriate,” said Pettus. “Adam Coy’s actions are inconsistent with a Columbus Police officer’s oath, or the standards that we, and the community, demand of our agents.”
Coy fatally shot Hill, who was Black, within seconds of their encounter last Tuesday, as Hill walked over to Coy with a lit cell phone in his left hand. Hill was unarmed.
Quinlan had recommended that Coy be fired. Quinlan said in a statement on Monday that the evidence against Coy provided “solid reason” for the termination.
“This is what accountability looks like,” said Quinlan, adding that Coy is now accountable to state investigators for Hill’s death.
Quinlan sought Coy’s resignation for shooting Hill, but also for not activating his body-worn camera when responding to the call or offering assistance after shooting Hill. Coy turned his camera on after the shot and the camera’s review function captured the 60 seconds before Coy turned it on.
“Known facts do not prove that this use of lethal force was objectively reasonable. You failed to de-escalate and provided no assistance,” Pettus wrote in his ruling.
Pettus said additional allegations of misconduct related to Coy and other Columbus police officers who were at the scene will be further investigated and that the use of body-worn cameras and the duty to render assistance will be among the actions that will continue. are investigated. Columbus police have only released the Coy footage.
“Because of the potential for those matters to come to me, and to protect the integrity and impartiality of that process and any future rulings, it is not appropriate for me to comment further,” said Pettus.
Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther applauded the decision to fire Coy. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also investigating the case for possible criminal charges.
“Now we await the BCI investigation, a presentation of the evidence to a grand jury and possible federal charges from the US Department of Justice. We expect transparency, accountability and justice. The family and the entire community deserve it,” said Ginther . .