Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County

August 14, 2026

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on August 9, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in Henrietta, Monroe County.

On August 9, MCSO deputies responded to a motel room in Henrietta following a 911 call. The deputies arrived at 4:08 p.m., entered the motel room, and encountered a man who was holding a knife. The deputies directed the man to drop the knife, but he allegedly failed to comply and moved toward the officers with the knife. Deputies discharged their service weapons, striking the man. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a knife at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.