Coy’s termination comes after a disciplinary hearing on Monday. The local chapter of the Fraternal Police Order represented Coy at the hearing.
“The information, evidence and representations made by Chief (Thomas) Quinlan as an investigator are, in my opinion, indisputable. His disciplinary recommendation is well-founded and appropriate,” said Pettus. “Adam Coy’s actions do not live up to the oath of a Columbus police officer or the standards that we and the community demand of our officers.”
Coy fatally shot Hill, who was black, last Tuesday just seconds after the meeting, while Hill walked towards Coy holding a lighted cell phone in his left hand. Hill was unarmed.
Quinlan had recommended firing Coy. Quinlan said in a statement on Monday that the evidence against Coy provided “solid arguments” for the resignation.
“This is what responsibility looks like,” said Quinlan, adding that Coy will now have to respond to state investigators regarding Hill’s death.
Quinlan sought out Coy’s shooting because he shot Hill, but also because he did not activate his camera when answering the call or provided assistance after shooting Hill. Coy turned on his camera after shooting, and the camera’s lookback feature captured 60 seconds before Coy turned it on.
“The known facts do not establish that this use of lethal force was objectively reasonable. You failed to slow down and failed to provide help, ”wrote Pettus in his decision.
Pettus said that additional allegations of misconduct towards Coy and other Columbus police officers who were at the scene will continue to be investigated and the use of cameras on the body and the duty to assist will be among the actions under further review. Columbus police released only images from Coy’s camera.
“Because of the potential for these cases to come to me, and to protect the integrity and impartiality of this process and any future decisions, it is not appropriate for me to comment further,” said Pettus.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther applauded the decision to fire Coy. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is also reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.
“Now we look forward to the BCI investigation, the presentation of evidence to a grand jury and possible federal charges from the U.S. Department of Justice. We expect transparency, accountability and justice. The family and the whole community deserve it,” said Ginther.