Coyne was fired following a disciplinary hearing on Monday. The local chapter of the Police Fraternity Order referred to Koya in the investigation.
“The information, evidence and representations provided by Chief (Thomas) Quinlan as investigator are undeniable. My disciplinary recommendation is well supported and relevant,” Bettus said. “Adam Coin’s actions did not live up to the oath of office of a Columbus police officer or the request of our officers for us and the community.”
Coy murdered Hill, who was black in the few seconds they met last Tuesday, as Hill walked towards Coy holding a flashing cellphone in his left hand, as body camera footage released last week shows. Hill was unarmed.
Quinlan had suggested that Koi be fired upon. Quinlan said in a statement on Monday that he had provided “firm rationale” to stop the evidence against Coy.
“This seems like a liability,” Quinlan said, adding that Koi should now respond to government investigators in connection with Hill’s death.
Quinlan tried to shoot Coy because he shot Hill, but he did not activate the camera he was wearing when he answered the call or provided assistance after Hill was shot. Coy turned on his camera after the shooting was over, and the look-back feature of the camera was captured by Coy 60 seconds before he was to direct it.
“The known facts do not guarantee that the use of this deadly force is objectively justified. You have failed to expand, you have failed to provide assistance,” Bettes wrote in his judgment.
Bettes said additional allegations of abuse involving Coy and other Columbus police officers at the scene will continue to be investigated and the use of body-worn cameras and the duty to provide assistance will be under further review. Columbus police have only released Coin’s camera footage.
“Because those cases have the potential to come before me, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on the integrity and impartiality of the process and to defend future judgment,” Petts said.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Zinder praised the decision to remove the coyote. The Ohio Criminal Investigation Bureau is reviewing the case for criminal charges.
“We are now awaiting the PCI’s trial, which is a large arbitral tribunal and evidence of federal allegations in the U.S. Justice Department. We expect transparency, accountability and justice. The family and the community as a whole deserve it,” Zinder said.
