The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) within New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office released a report on May 12 regarding the death of Hugh Davis, who died after an encounter with Cheektowaga Police Department officers in Buffalo on August 13, 2025.
The report matters because it details the circumstances surrounding a fatal police use-of-force incident and explains why no criminal charges will be pursued. The OSI’s findings are part of ongoing efforts to provide transparency and accountability in cases involving law enforcement actions resulting in civilian deaths.
According to the report, officers arrived at Davis’ apartment to arrest him for an alleged previous assault. After announcing themselves and knocking repeatedly, the door panel fell into the apartment. The report states that “Mr. Davis lunged through the doorway beneath the fallen panel with a knife in his hand and began swinging the knife at the officers.” Officers instructed Davis multiple times to drop his weapon, but he did not comply. An officer then discharged his service weapon, striking Davis, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. A large kitchen knife was recovered at the scene.
The OSI concluded that under New York’s justification law—which allows police officers to use deadly physical force if they reasonably believe it necessary for defense against deadly force—a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that “the officer’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Davis was justified,” so criminal charges will not be filed.
In December 2025, Attorney General James issued a Notification of Investigative Findings related to this case. The New York Attorney General operates as a public law enforcement and legal advocacy agency for New York; it promotes social justice and community well-being through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy; provides services including consumer fraud investigations, charities oversight and tenant dispute mediation; protects New Yorkers by ensuring public safety; defends civil rights; upholds consumer protections; preserves the environment; operates regional offices across the state; and is headed by Letitia James according to the official website.
