Former Ohio Officer Sentenced To 15 Years To Life For Killing Of Andre Hill

 

Adam Coy, a former Columbus police officer, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the 2020 shooting death of Andre Hill, an unarmed Black man. The mandatory sentence was handed down Monday following Coy’s conviction for murder.

Hill, 47, was fatally shot four times in the garage of a friend’s home in December 2020. He was holding a cellphone and a set of keys when he encountered officers responding to a non-emergency call. Body camera footage showed Hill emerging from the garage with a phone in his left hand; his right hand was not visible at the time of the shooting.

Coy claimed he feared for his life, believing Hill was holding a silver revolver. “I feel my actions were justified,” Coy told the court before sentencing. “I reacted the same way I had in hundreds of training scenarios.” He has stated he plans to appeal the verdict.

Prosecutors argued Hill was following police commands and posed no threat. They pointed out that nearly 10 minutes passed before any medical assistance was rendered, despite Hill’s obvious injuries.

Family Members Remember Hill as a Gentle Soul

During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Hill’s sisters and ex-wife delivered emotional victim impact statements, remembering him as a kind-hearted man devoted to his family. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Big Daddy.”

The case drew national attention at a time of widespread protest and scrutiny over the use of deadly force by police, especially in encounters involving Black individuals. Coy’s shooting of Hill occurred just months after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, further intensifying calls for reform.

Accountability, Reform, and Fallout

Coy, who is currently being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, was fired shortly after the shooting. At the time of his dismissal, he had a long record of citizen complaints during his tenure with the department, although most were not sustained.

The incident prompted swift action from city leaders. The mayor of Columbus forced out the police chief weeks later, citing repeated failures in handling police shootings involving Black victims. In 2021, the city agreed to a $10 million settlement with Hill’s family — one of the largest in its history.

The city also enacted legislation requiring officers to render immediate medical aid to any person injured during police encounters.

Division Among Law Enforcement Over Verdict

While the jury found Coy guilty, not all within law enforcement agreed with the outcome. The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police expressed continued support for Coy. “While this incident was a heart-rending mistake, it wasn’t murder,” said Brian Steel, president of the FOP Capital City Lodge 9. He emphasized that officers acting “in good faith” under department protocols deserve support.

Hill’s death, and the subsequent conviction of his killer, marks a significant moment in ongoing efforts to hold law enforcement accountable and reshape policing practices across the country.