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

NEW YORK – 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 Akintunde Campbell, who died on July 31, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in Rochester. Upon completion of the investigation into Mr. Campbell’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
At approximately 7:35 p.m. on July 31, RPD officers were dispatched to Ernestine Street in Rochester following 911 calls reporting a man looking into and/or appearing to enter cars. When officers arrived, they encountered a man matching the descriptions from the 911 calls standing in a driveway on Ernestine Street. Officers spoke briefly with Mr. Campbell, who said he was in the area waiting for a friend and then attempted to walk away from the officers. Officers spotted a bulge in Mr. Campbell’s front hoodie pocket, which they believed to be a weapon, and attempted to detain Mr. Campbell. A struggle ensued, and Mr. Campbell was able to break away from the officers. Mr. Campbell again tried to walk away from the officers, keeping his hand in his pocket. Officers pointed their guns at Mr. Campbell and repeatedly asked him what was in his hand. Mr. Campbell then pulled a gun from his hoodie pocket and held it with both hands, facing the officers. The officers ordered Mr. Campbell to drop the gun numerous times, but he did not comply. Officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Campbell. Mr. Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a handgun at the scene.

Incident Video
The incident was captured on officers’ body-worn cameras.

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.