COLUMBUS, Ohio — Family members of Andre Hill and city leaders are reacting after former Columbus police officer Adam Coy was found guilty on all charges, including murder, in Hill's 2020 shooting death.
The jury reached a verdict Monday after more than two days of deliberation in a trial that lasted two weeks.
Coy was found guilty of murder, reckless homicide and felonious assault. He will be sentenced on Nov. 25.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement to 10TV saying Andre Hill should still be alive today.
"It was the right call to swiftly terminate Adam Coy from the Columbus Division of Police," Ginther said. "His actions were an affront to his oath, his duty and the safety, dignity and well-being of this community. We demand and expect more from our officers. This will never change.
Ginther said he remains deeply committed to doing everything within his power to honor Hill's memory, deliver justice to his family and prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.
Andre Hill's family spoke after the verdict.
"It's been way too long. But I'm glad that it's over," his sister Shawn Barnett said. "I mean it won't bring Andre back but hopefully it will set a precedent across the board for everyone else. This is not something we can tolerate."
"There was no question in my mind," Barnett added.
Hill's other sister, Michelle Hairston, said she's just happy they got the verdict.
"The jury saw this right. We're just happy this day is over," Hairston said.
The family's attorney, Ben Crump, said the verdict delivers a measure of justice for Andre Hill’s family.
"Andre was an unarmed, innocent man, and his life was taken with disregard for the duty to protect and serve. Today’s verdict underscores that no one is above the law, including those sworn to uphold it," Crump said in a statement. "We hope these verdicts bring some healing to the Hill family and send a powerful message: accountability in law enforcement is not optional.”
Mark Collins, the attorney representing Adam Coy, said Coy is on a difficult road back from cancer so he is devastated. Collins said they will appeal the decision.
Fraternal Order of Police President Brian Steel said the FOP is disappointed with the verdict.
"We mourn with the community over the tragic loss of Mr. Hill, but we stand firm in our belief that Officer Coy was subject to political and media bias that no one should face in a court of law," Steel said.
Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant released the following statement:
Andre Hill should be alive today. His death was a tragedy for our community and everyone who wears the badge.
My predecessor, then-Chief Tom Quinlan, determined Mr. Hill’s death was the result of critical misconduct by former officer Adam Coy and recommended termination. Then-Safety Director Ned Pettus agreed, and Adam Coy was fired on December 28, 2020.
We respect the judicial process and the findings of the jury. We ask that you join us in praying for peace and comfort for all who loved Andre Hill.
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin released the following statement:
"Today's verdict represents a significant moment in our pursuit of justice and accountability. While no decision can bring back a life lost, this verdict is a step toward healing and change. Andre Hill should be alive. But this is about more than a single case; it's about building a Columbus where every resident feels safe, seen, and valued. I am thankful to the jury for their diligent deliberation. I pray this verdict of accountability brings the Hill family the closure they deserve."
What happened?
On Dec. 22, 2020, Coy was called to Oberlin Avenue to investigate a disturbance. He said the complaint was for an SUV that was turning on and off repeatedly for several hours.
Police body camera footage showed Hill emerging from the garage of a friend's house holding up a cellphone in his left hand, his right hand not visible, seconds before he was fatally shot by Coy. About 10 minutes passed before officers at the scene began coming to the aid of Hill, who lay bleeding on the garage floor. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
During the trial, Coy testified he fired four times after he spotted what he thought was a silver revolver as Hill was emerging from the garage.
“I knew at that point I made a mistake," Coy told jurors while fighting back tears. "I was horrified. It was the worst night of my life.”
Prosecutors argued that Hill followed the officer's commands and was never a threat to Coy.
The defense argued Coy believed his life was in danger.
“That there was no weapon does not matter,” defense attorney Kaitlyn Stephens told jurors. “Police officers are allowed to be mistaken.”
Read a full recap of the trial here.