Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Troy Eames

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Troy Eames (Mr. Eames) in Onondaga County. Following a thorough investigation, including review of security video footage and crime scene analysis, OSI confirmed that off-duty Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Civil Deputy Isaac Eames (Deputy Eames) murdered Mr. Eames — his son — in their home on February 7, 2022, before taking his own life. 

On the morning of February 7, OCSO deputies responded to a residence on Riverview Road after Mr. Eames’ mother, Karen Eames (Mrs. Eames), called 911. When deputies arrived, they found Mrs. Eames seriously wounded and both Deputy Eames and Mr. Eames unresponsive with gunshot wounds. Mrs. Eames and Mr. Eames were transported to a local hospital, where Mr. Eames was pronounced dead. Mrs. Eames was treated and later released. Deputy Eames was pronounced dead at the scene, and his service weapon was recovered at the scene.

The medical examiner’s analysis determined that Mr. Eames died from a gunshot wound to his head, and the manner of death was homicide. The medical examiner also determined that Deputy Eames died from a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was suicide. Bullet fragments recovered from Mr. Eames’ and Mrs. Eames’ wounds were consistent with the kind of ammunition used in Deputy Eames’ service weapon.

A full review of the evidence supports the conclusion that Deputy Eames was responsible for Mr. Eames’ death. OSI uncovered no evidence indicating that any other person was involved in the homicide. Therefore, there is no basis on which OSI could seek charges against any living person in this case.

Executive Law Section 70-b directs OSI to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute offenses arising from any incident in which the death of a person is caused by a police officer, whether on or off duty. When OSI does not or, as in this case, cannot seek charges against the officer, Section 70-b requires OSI to issue a public report describing its investigation.