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

 

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 Royston Bacchus, who died on October 5, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Upon completion of the investigation into Mr. Bacchus’ 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

At approximately 9:11 a.m. on October 5, NYPD officers responded to a 911 call at a residence on East 86th Street in Brooklyn. Upon arrival, officers encountered Mr. Bacchus exiting the building. The officers pursued Mr. Bacchus on foot to Coventry Road, where Mr. Bacchus stopped running. Mr. Bacchus was holding a gun. Officers repeatedly commanded Mr. Bacchus to drop the gun, and Mr. Bacchus said “Shoot me,” while continuing to hold the gun. One officer discharged his service weapon, striking Mr. Bacchus. Mr. Bacchus was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered a gun at the scene.

Incident Video

The incident was captured on the officer's body-worn camera (BWC).

Still frame from BWC footage showing Mr. Bacchus holding a gun

Gun and bullets recovered at the scene

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.