Following Legal Standards. James' office conducted a thorough investigation including body camera footage and witness interviews, concluding that no prosecutor could disprove the officer acted justifiably under New York law.
30D AGOSTATENY ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES
AG James Declines to Charge Officer in Fatal Corona Shooting
What's the gist?
Attorney General Letitia James' office announced it will not pursue criminal charges against an NYPD officer who fatally shot Jesus Alberto Nunez Reyes in Corona two years ago after he refused to drop a knife.
Context
In April 2024, Officer Kenneth Guzman shot Nunez Reyes three times after the 65-year-old man ignored commands to drop a seven-inch knife while threatening a woman. Tasers had no effect before the fatal shooting.
Positive takes
Protecting Public Safety. The decision recognizes that Officer Guzman reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent Nunez Reyes from stabbing his partner or nearby civilians with the knife.
Transparent Process. The AG's detailed public report demonstrates accountability by clearly explaining the evidence and legal reasoning behind the decision not to prosecute.
Negative takes
Pattern of Impunity. Critics see this as another example of law enforcement avoiding consequences for fatal shootings, reinforcing a system that protects officers over civilian lives.
Questionable Use of Force. Three shots to the back raise questions about whether less lethal alternatives were truly exhausted before resorting to deadly force against a 65-year-old man.
Accountability Gap. The decision continues a troubling trend where police shootings rarely result in criminal charges, even when civilians die in controversial circumstances.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Bill Parry · amNY · April 29, 2026
Social takes
- 01
@resistfight.com · Bluesky · Negative take
- 02