New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced an investigation into the fatal police shooting of 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who allegedly pointed a replica handgun at officers during an encounter in Utica. This announcement followed a community vigil attended by hundreds in memory of the young boy.
The incident occurred around 10:18 p.m. on Friday when Utica police officers, part of the Crime Prevention Unit, stopped two individuals as part of an undisclosed investigation. Nyah Mway, one of the individuals, fled from the officers. According to police, Nyah pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the officers, prompting Officer Patrick Husnay to fire a single shot, fatally wounding the teen. The weapon was later identified as a replica GLOCK 17 Gen 5 handgun, which investigators described as a pellet gun.
Nyah was transported to Wynn Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officers involved in the incident were identified as Patrick Husnay, Bryce Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti. All three have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.
The Utica Police Department released body camera footage from Officer Patterson, showing the moments leading up to the shooting. The footage revealed that Nyah initially had his hands up but fled when officers attempted to pat him down. During the chase, Nyah allegedly pointed the replica gun at the officers, leading to the fatal shot.
The community vigil held on Saturday night saw a large turnout, with many expressing their grief and demanding justice. Lay Htoo, Nyah’s uncle, shared his family’s sorrow and disbelief over the incident. The Mway family, originally from Myanmar, had moved to Utica eight years ago seeking safety from military and police violence in their home country.
Utica Police Chief Mark Williams and Mayor Michael P. Galime faced disruptions during their news conference as members of the public voiced their anger and frustration. The police department emphasized their commitment to transparency, releasing as much information as possible, including the body camera footage.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation will lead the probe into the shooting, as mandated by state law. The Utica Police Department will also conduct its own investigation, working closely with the City of Utica Public Safety Advisory Committee to ensure the community is fully informed.
The Karen immigrant community in Utica, to which Nyah belonged, has been particularly vocal in their demands for justice. Many members of this community, who have fled persecution in Southeast Asia, feel a deep sense of betrayal and fear following the incident. Kay Klo, director at Midtown Utica Community Center, spoke at the vigil, highlighting the community’s pain and calling for accountability.
Buddhist monks from the community led a prayer for Nyah, and Pastor Debbie Kelsey of Tabernacle Baptist Church addressed the crowd, emphasizing the collective grief and the importance of remembering Nyah’s life.
The Karen people, an ethnic minority from Southeast Asia, have a long history of conflict and displacement. Many have resettled in the United States, including Utica, seeking refuge from violence and persecution in their home countries.
As the investigations continue, the community remains united in their call for justice and transparency. The tragic death of Nyah Mway has left a profound impact on Utica, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities and the urgent need for accountability in law enforcement.
Source: ABC News, USA Today
