Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Quayshawn Samuel, who died on December 29, 2022, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

On the evening of December 29, as NYPD officers were approaching an apartment building on Beach Channel Drive in Far Rockaway, three individuals, including Mr. Samuel, fled the building. Two officers pursued Mr. Samuel on foot, and one of the officers fired his weapon during the ensuing encounter. Mr. Samuel was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. NYPD recovered a gun 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 caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.