Former Officer Sentenced to 15 Years for Murder of Andre Hill

BREAKING: A former Columbus police officer, Adam Coy, has been sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of Andre Hill, a 47-year-old Black man who was holding a cellphone and keys when he was shot in December 2020. This sentence, handed down on October 16, 2023, comes amid ongoing national scrutiny over police violence and accountability.

Coy fired four shots at Hill in a garage, claiming he mistook Hill’s cellphone for a weapon. In a courtroom statement, Coy asserted, “I feel my actions were justified,” insisting he acted out of fear for his life. Despite his claims, prosecutors argued that Hill posed no threat and complied with police commands before the shooting.

The emotional toll of Hill’s death was evident during victim impact statements, where his sisters and ex-wife described him as a gentle, loving man known affectionately by his grandchildren as “Big Daddy.” The community has rallied around Hill’s family, leading to a $10 million settlement with the city of Columbus following the incident.

Body camera footage from the scene revealed Hill emerging from a friend’s garage, holding his cellphone in one hand, with his other hand not visible. He was shot seconds later, and nearly ten minutes elapsed before officers provided any medical assistance.

Coy’s history as an officer included multiple citizen complaints, although many were deemed unfounded. Following the incident, he was terminated from the Columbus Police Department. In a significant move, the city enacted a law mandating immediate medical attention for injured suspects as a direct response to this tragedy.

The local Fraternal Order of Police expressed its ongoing support for Coy, emphasizing that while the incident was a tragic error, it should not be classified as murder. “While this incident was a heart-rending mistake, it wasn’t murder,” stated Brian Steel, president of the FOP Capital City Lodge 9.

Coy, currently battling Hodgkin lymphoma, has announced plans to appeal the verdict. As this case continues to unfold, the ramifications for police practices and community relations in Columbus and beyond remain a pressing concern.

The urgent question now is how this ruling will influence ongoing discussions about police reform and accountability in the United States. As the case develops, communities are left to grapple with the impact of such tragedies on their lives and their calls for justice.