New York Attorney General Letitia James has released body-worn camera footage from a fatal police shooting in Rochester as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of Eric Davis.
Davis died on December 19, following an encounter with members of the Rochester Police Department. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the incident began around 10:23 p.m. when two Rochester police officers responded to a 911 call reporting a man attempting to break into a house.
Officers found Davis standing near the side of the home and ordered him to show his hands. Investigators say Davis fired a handgun at the officers, striking them. At least one officer returned fire, and Davis fled on foot.
A short time later, a third officer encountered Davis several blocks away and ordered him to stop and show his hands. Authorities say Davis again fired at the officer, striking him, and the officer returned fire. A fourth officer arrived on the scene, ordered Davis to get on the ground, and fired at him. Davis was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered near his body.
Three officers and a civilian who were injured during the incident were taken to the hospital and later released.
The Attorney General’s Office released footage from four body-worn cameras worn by officers during the encounter. The release follows a directive by Attorney General James requiring public disclosure of such footage during investigations by the Office of Special Investigation to promote transparency and public trust.
The Office of Special Investigation is reviewing the case under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires an assessment whenever a police or peace officer may have caused a person’s death. Officials emphasized that the release of the footage does not represent any conclusion about guilt, innocence, or potential criminal charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.
