Statement from Attorney General James on Grand Jury Decision Regarding the Death of Luke Patterson

ORANGE COUNTY – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement in response to a grand jury’s decision not to indict any police officer on charges related to the May 2019 death of Luke Patterson:

“In July 2015 under Executive Order 147, the Office of the Attorney General was appointed as a Special Prosecutor in cases where an unarmed civilian dies during an encounter with police. Pursuant to that authority, the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit (SIPU) of my office launched an investigation into the death of Luke Patterson in May 2019.

“After an exhaustive investigation, we concluded that there was sufficient evidence that a crime had been committed to warrant a presentation to a grand jury. The grand jury, however, voted not to bring charges, and we respect the grand jury’s decision.

“Mr. Patterson’s death was a tragedy, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”