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Former officer sentenced for murder of Black man

Adam Coy received a sentence of 15 years to life for killing Andre Hill while he held a cellphone.

July 28, 2025 at 04:46 PM

Ex-officer who mistook a Black man's keys and phone for a gun gets 15 years to life for murder

A former Ohio police officer has been sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of Andre Hill, a Black man shot while holding a cellphone and keys.

Former officer sentenced for killing Black man holding cellphone and keys

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Adam Coy, a former police officer in Ohio, received a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life for the murder of Andre Hill. Hill, a Black man, was shot four times in December 2020 while holding a cellphone and keys in a garage. Coy claimed he feared for his life, believing Hill was armed, but prosecutors argued Hill posed no threat. Witnesses described Hill as friendly and caring. This case came amid nationwide discussions on police violence against Black individuals. Body camera footage taken before the shooting showed Hill exiting the garage calmly. After the incident, Coy was dismissed from the police force, and Columbus later settled with Hill's family for $10 million, enacting new laws for police medical response efforts.

Key Takeaways

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Adam Coy received 15 years to life for killing Andre Hill.

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Hill was shot while holding a cellphone and keys, posing no threat.

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This case is part of a larger conversation on police accountability.

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Columbus paid $10 million to Hill's family after the shooting.

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New laws now require immediate medical aid for injured suspects.

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Coy plans to appeal the conviction, claiming justified self-defense.

"I feel my actions were justified."

Coy maintains his innocence and asserts he responded to a perceived threat during the incident.

"Hill followed police commands and was never a threat to Coy."

Prosecutors described Hill's behavior as non-threatening, contradicting Coy's claims.

"My grandchildren called me 'Big Daddy'."

This statement from Hill's family underscores the personal loss and impact of his death.

"Almost 10 minutes passed before officers at the scene rendered aid."

The delay in providing help raised serious concerns about police accountability in critical situations.

The sentencing of Adam Coy highlights ongoing issues within law enforcement, particularly regarding the treatment of Black individuals. As the country grapples with systemic racism, cases like Hill's underscore the critical need for police reform. Coy's claims of threat draw attention to the training and perceptions that lead to lethal encounters. Despite a lengthy career in policing, Coy's actions resulted in profound consequences not just for him, but for Hill's family and the broader community. The city's reaction—including a significant settlement and new legislation—signals an acknowledgment of past failures, yet many wonder if such measures will lead to lasting change.

Highlights

Justice is slow, but it comes for those who wield power recklessly.
The death of Andre Hill is a reminder that life can change in an instant.
This case highlights the urgent need for police reform and accountability.
Every life matters, and Andre Hill should still be here today.

Sensitivity surrounding police violence and racial issues

This case touches on sensitive subjects including police accountability and racial violence, often leading to public outrage and discussions about reform.

The case reflects deep societal issues around race and policing that demand renewed focus.

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andre hill columbus adam coy police reform racial justice law society

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