By Trend News Line 2024-07-02 00:00:00.
Victim identified in Utica Officer-Involved Shooting
In a tragic turn of events, 13-year-old Nyah Mway, a resident of Utica, was identified as the victim in the recent officer-involved shooting in the city. The New York State Attorney General’s Office confirmed Mway’s identity, sparking outrage and sadness in the local community.
Community Vigil Held in Honor of Mway
Following the heartbreaking news of Mway’s death, hundreds of residents gathered on the 900 block of Shaw Street for a community vigil to honor his memory. The vigil took place nearly 24 hours after the tragic incident, with emotional speeches and tributes shared by members of Mway’s family and the Karen community.
A memorial was set up at the scene of the shooting, as mourners came together to pay their respects and demand justice for Mway.
Police Account of the Incident
According to the Utica Police Department, Mway and another juvenile were stopped by officers on Shaw Street as part of an ongoing investigation. Mway attempted to flee from the officers and allegedly brandished what appeared to be a handgun. In the ensuing confrontation, one of the officers fired his weapon, striking Mway in the chest.
Tragically, it was later determined that the weapon Mway was carrying was a replica handgun and a pellet gun, not a real firearm.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
The Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the shooting, as is standard protocol for all officer-involved incidents in the state. The community, however, is demanding swift action and accountability for the officers involved in the tragic event.
Speakers at the vigil expressed their grief and frustration, highlighting the Mway family’s journey from persecution in Burma to seeking a better life in America. The close-knit Karen community in Utica, with more than 7,000 residents, rallied together in solidarity and support for the grieving family.
Questions of trust in law enforcement and the need for transparency and justice were echoed throughout the vigil, as residents grappled with the loss of a young life and the impact on their community.
Continued Investigation and Community Support
As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, the Utica community remains united in their call for justice and accountability. The tragic death of Nyah Mway has brought to light the struggles and challenges faced by immigrant communities in America, sparking a wider conversation about police conduct and community relations.
Despite the pain and sorrow, the community is determined to seek justice for Mway and ensure that his memory is honored and respected. The vigil on Shaw Street served as a powerful reminder of the strength and unity of the Utica community in the face of tragedy.
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Utica teen shot by police identified
Hundreds attend vigil.