Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Issues Notification of Investigative Findings Regarding Investigation into the Death of Damon Louther

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is today issuing a Notification of Investigative Findings regarding the investigation into the death of Damon Louther, who died on May 13, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Upon completion of the investigation into Mr. Louther’s death, OSI has concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force was justified under the law. A final Investigation Report will follow.

About the Incident

On the afternoon of May 13, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at an apartment in Brooklyn. Upon arrival, officers encountered Mr. Louther in the hallway holding a large knife. Mr. Louther advanced toward the officers with the knife and said “you’re gonna have to put a bullet in me.” One officer deployed his Taser, striking Mr. Louther, but Mr. Louther pulled the Taser prongs from his body and continued advancing toward the officers. The second officer fired his gun, striking Mr. Louther. Mr. Louther was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a knife at the scene.

Incident Video

The incident was captured on officers’ body-worn cameras (BWC)

Still from officer’s BWC

Knife recovered during crime scene investigation

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

In cases where the evidence and legal analysis are clear and the investigation is complete, OSI may issue a Notification of Investigative Findings announcing the conclusion of the investigation. In such cases, OSI will issue the final Investigation Report, as required by law, at a later date.