Coy’s termination follows a disciplinary hearing held Monday. The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police represented Coy during the trial.
“The information, evidence and representations made by Chief (Thomas) Quinlan as the investigator are, in my view, indisputable. His disciplinary recommendation is well supported and appropriate,” Pettus said. “The actions of Adam Coy do not meet the oath of a Columbus police officer, or the standards we and the community demand of our officers.”
Coy fatally shot Hill, who was Black, within seconds of their meeting last Tuesday, while Hill walked towards Coy with an illuminated cellphone in his left hand. Hill was unarmed.
Quinlan recommended firing Coy. Quinlan said in a statement on Monday that the evidence against Coy provided a solid reason for termination.
“This is what liability looks like there,” Quinlan said, adding that Coy now has to answer to state investigators about Hill’s death.
Quinlan sought Coy’s shooting because he shot Hill, but also because he did not activate his body-driven camera when responding to the call or provide assistance after shooting Hill. Coy turned on his camera after the recording, and the camera’s lookback feature captured the 60 seconds before Coy turned it on.
“Known facts do not prove that the use of lethal force was objectively reasonable. You failed to de-escalate, and you could not provide assistance,” Pettus wrote in his ruling.
Pettus said additional allegations of misconduct against Coy and other police officers in Columbus who were at the scene will continue to be investigated, and the use of body-worn cameras and the duty to provide assistance will include: be the actions further investigated. Columbus police only released Coy’s camera footage.
“Because of the possibility that these matters may come before me and protect the integrity and impartiality of the process and any future decision, it is not appropriate for me to comment further,” Pettus said.
Andrew Ginther, mayor of Columbus, welcomed the decision to fire Coy. Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also investigating the case for possible criminal charges.
“Now we are awaiting the investigation of BCI, a submission of the evidence to a grand jury and possible federal charges by the U.S. Department of Justice. We expect transparency, accountability and justice. The family and the entire community deserve it,” he said. said Ginther. .