BUFFALO — New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Hugh Davis, who was shot and killed by Cheektowaga police in Buffalo in August 2025.
In December 2025, OSI announced it had determined criminal charges could not be pursued against the officer and released the following statement:
"Upon completion of the investigation into Mr. Davis’ death, OSI has concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly physical force was justified under the law. A final Investigation Report will follow."
Now, the final investigation report has been released, in which the AG said in part:
"After a thorough investigation, which included a review of footage from body-worn cameras, an interview with an involved officer, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s actions were justified under New York law."
On August 13, 2025, Cheektowaga police responded to 269 Sanders Road in Buffalo in an attempt to arrest Davis in connection with a previous assault. Police said Buffalo Police Dispatchers were informed that CPD officers would be responding to the address.
According to the AG, officers announced themselves and knocked on the door and after repeated knocking, the door panel fell into the apartment. The AG said Davis lunged through the doorway with a knife and began swinging the knife at the officers. Davis then stumbled, rolled, and nearly swiped an officer as they repeatedly instructed him to drop the knife.
The AG said Davis ignored commands and an officer discharged his service weapon, shooting Davis. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene and officers recovered a large kitchen knife.
A release from the AG said in part:
"Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, when officers encountered Mr. Davis, he lunged toward them with a knife in his hand and ignored repeated commands to drop it. Mr. Davis continued to swing the knife at officers, nearly striking one of the officers. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly physical force against Mr. Davis was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter."
WATCH: Below is the body camera video released by Cheektowaga Police. The video contains graphic images and strong language. It may be disturbing to some viewers.
