The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation announced on May 11 that it has opened an investigation into the death of Steven Eastwood, who died following an encounter with members of the Southampton Town Police Department in Southampton, Suffolk County.
According to the statement, officers responded to a house shortly before 3 p.m. on May 10 where they encountered Mr. Eastwood, who was allegedly stabbing his mother with a knife. Officers repeatedly directed Mr. Eastwood to drop the knife, but he did not comply. Two officers discharged their service weapons and struck Mr. Eastwood, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Several knives were recovered at the location.
Under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, every incident reported to the Office of Special Investigation involving a police or peace officer potentially causing a person’s death is assessed for further action. The law covers incidents whether or not the decedent is armed or in custody and applies regardless of whether officers are on duty.
The Attorney General’s office operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York and provides services including consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation through regional offices across the state, according to the official website. Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office.
“These are preliminary facts and subject to change,” said officials from the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation.
