Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Oneida County

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Matthew Brown, who died on March 25, 2025 following a March 24 encounter with members of the New York State Police (NYSP) in Oneida County.

At 11:14 p.m. on March 24, NYSP troopers responded to a house in Barneveld, Oneida County following a 911 call. When the troopers arrived, they talked with Mr. Brown and attempted to take him into custody for a mental health evaluation. A struggle ensued, and Mr. Brown was forced to the ground and handcuffed. The troopers called for an ambulance, but Mr. Brown became unresponsive before the ambulance arrived. Mr. Brown was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after 1:00 a.m. on March 25. 

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.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.