Ex-Officer Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Black Man

A former Ohio police officer received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison on Monday. The conviction stemmed from the December 2020 murder of an unarmed Black man.

The victim, 47-year-old Andre Hill, was holding a cellphone and keys when he was shot four times by Adam Coy, a white officer, in a Columbus garage. Coy, who is currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, stated during the sentencing hearing that he plans to appeal the verdict. He maintained that his actions were justified, claiming he reacted as he had in numerous training scenarios to stop a perceived threat and protect himself and his partner.

Body camera footage revealed that Hill emerged from a friend's garage, holding a cellphone in his left hand, just moments before the fatal shooting. His right hand was not visible. It took nearly ten minutes for officers to provide medical assistance.

During the trial, Coy testified that he believed Hill was holding a silver revolver and feared for his life. He stated that he realized his mistake only after rolling over Hill's body and seeing the keys. Prosecutors argued that Hill had complied with police orders and posed no threat to Coy.

Hill's family members, including his sisters and ex-wife, described him as a kind and friendly man. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Big Daddy." Hill's daughter expressed that the length of the sentence would not change the fact that her father was gone.

Following the shooting, Coy was fired from the police force. He had a history of citizen complaints, though most were deemed unfounded. The police chief was also removed from his position shortly after the incident. The city of Columbus later reached a $10 million settlement with Hill's family and enacted a law requiring police to provide immediate medical attention to injured suspects.

The shooting occurred during a period of increased scrutiny of police violence against Black Americans. The incident was part of a series of events that led to widespread protests and calls for police reform.