Family of 13-Year-Old Boy Shot by Police in New York Demands Justice

The family of a 13-year-old boy, Nyah Mway, who was shot and killed by police in central New York on Friday, is appealing justice and responsibility.

New York Attorney General Investigates Police Shooting of 13-Year-Old

New York Attorney General Letitia James' office is examining the circumstances. Nyah, a member of Myanmar's Karen ethnic minority, was confronted and then shot by Utica police following a foot chase.

Police, administering their inspection, issued body camera footage showing Nyah seemingly aiming an object at them before being taken down. The object turned out to be a BB gun looking like a real firearm, according to police.

While official inspections persist, Nyah's family and community call for responsibility. Lay Htoo, a cousin of Nyah, expressed their hopes for a peaceful life in the U.S. after escaping violence in Myanmar.

The teen's parents are awaiting the release of his body and are questioning the future of the officers involved. "They want them to be in prison forever," said the cousin.

At a vigil, Nyah's brother, Lah, demanded the officers be jailed. Others present questioned the official narrative of the shooting. "None of it adds up," said Kay Klo, a community member.

Police stated Nyah and another 13-year-old were stopped because they matched descriptions of suspects in a recent armed robbery and were walking in the road, violating traffic laws.

The body camera footage shows an officer indicating the need to pat them down, and Nyah running away, appearing to point a black object at them.

Police Officer Shoots 13-Year-Old in the Chest

Officer Bryce Patterson tackled Nyah, and as they wrestled, Officer Patrick Husnay fired a shot, hitting Nyah in the chest. Nyah was taken to Wynn Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The BB gun Nyah was holding closely resembled a real handgun, lacking the orange band typically added to distinguish it from firearms. A bystander video also showed the struggle and the subsequent gunshot.

Police noted that the social media video doesn't show the entire incident. As investigations proceed, officers Husnay, Patterson, and Andrew Citriniti have been placed on paid administrative leave.

Under New York law, the attorney general's office inspects all demises caused by law enforcement.

The Utica Police Department's inspection will detect if officers comply with policies and training. The police chief characterized the firing as "a tragic and traumatic incident for all involved."

Nyah's cousin, Isabella Moo, criticized the police narrative for criminalizing Nyah and protecting the officers. She called for better police training and accountability for the city.

Utica's population includes a significant number of people from Myanmar, many of whom are refugees like Nyah's family.

They fled from Myanmar to Thailand and later resettled in the U.S. about nine years ago. Nyah's father works at a convenience store.

Nyah was passionate about math, soccer, and spending time with friends. Despite being a Buddhist, he occasionally attended Bible study with his friends.

On the night of the incident, Nyah had told his mother he was going to a store, and that was the last she saw of him. She has been unable to sleep, grieving deeply for her son.