NY Attorney General Investigates Fatal NYPD Shooting of Jesus Alberto Nunez Reyes in Queens

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has launched a formal probe into the fatal shooting of Jesus Alberto Nunez Reyes, 65, by New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Corona, Queens. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 20, 2024, has reignited discussions about police use of force, de-escalation protocols, and the legal frameworks governing officer-involved fatalities in New York State.

What Happened on April 20?

According to the official statement released by the NY Attorney General’s Office, NYPD officers responded to a disturbance at 39-21 103rd Street in Queens at approximately 4:09 a.m.. Upon arrival, officers encountered Nunez Reyes, who was allegedly holding a knife. The officers issued repeated commands for him to drop the weapon, but he did not comply. An officer subsequently fired, striking Nunez Reyes. He was transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A knife was recovered at the scene.

The OSI’s investigation is being conducted under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates that the office review all incidents where a police officer—whether on or off duty—may have caused a civilian’s death through action or inaction. The law applies regardless of whether the decedent was armed, in custody, or incarcerated at the time of the incident.

Key Details of the Investigation

• Preliminary Facts: The OSI’s initial statement describes the encounter as unfolding after officers became aware of a “commotion” at the address. Nunez Reyes was reportedly standing next to a woman when officers arrived, though the AG’s office has not released further details about her role in the incident or whether she was injured.
• Taser Deployment: Although the official OSI statement does not mention the use of a Taser, secondary reports suggest officers may have attempted to subdue Nunez Reyes with a conducted energy device before discharging their firearms. This detail has not been confirmed by primary sources and remains unverified.
• Number of Shots Fired: Some accounts indicate that officers fired five shots, though this claim has not been corroborated by the OSI or NYPD’s Force Investigation Division (FID), which is also reviewing the case.

Legal and Procedural Context

The OSI’s investigation operates independently of the NYPD’s internal review. Under Executive Law Section 70-b, the office has the authority to:

• Conduct interviews with witnesses, officers, and medical personnel.
• Review body-worn camera footage, 911 calls, and other evidence.
• Determine whether criminal charges against the involved officers are warranted.

If the OSI concludes that an officer’s actions may have violated state law, it can present its findings to a grand jury. However, the office does not have the authority to bring civil charges; such cases would be referred to the appropriate district attorney’s office.

Community and Advocacy Response

The shooting has drawn attention from local advocacy groups, who have called for transparency and accountability in the investigation. While the NYPD has not released the names of the officers involved, community leaders have emphasized the need for:

• Timely release of body-camera footage: Advocates argue that public access to video evidence is critical for rebuilding trust in law enforcement.
• Independent oversight: Some organizations have urged the OSI to expedite its review, citing concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the NYPD’s internal investigation.
• Mental health and de-escalation training: The incident has reignited debates about whether officers receive adequate training to handle crises involving individuals in mental distress.

What Happens Next?

The OSI’s investigation is ongoing, and no timeline has been provided for its completion. Key next steps include:

1. Evidence Review: The OSI will analyze all available evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, and video footage.
2. Grand Jury Presentation: If the office determines that criminal charges may be warranted, it will present its findings to a grand jury.
3. Public Reporting: The OSI is required to release a public report on its findings, though the level of detail may be limited if the case proceeds to criminal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• The NY Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation is leading an independent review of the fatal shooting of Jesus Alberto Nunez Reyes by NYPD officers on April 20, 2024.
• Officers responded to a disturbance at 39-21 103rd Street in Queens and encountered Nunez Reyes, who was allegedly holding a knife.
• The OSI’s investigation is conducted under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates reviews of all police-involved fatalities.
• Unverified reports suggest officers may have used a Taser before firing, but this detail has not been confirmed by primary sources.
• The case has sparked calls for transparency, independent oversight, and reforms in police training and de-escalation protocols.

FAQ

1. Who is investigating the shooting?

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is leading the probe, while the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is also reviewing the incident.

2. What legal authority does the OSI have?

The OSI operates under Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires the office to investigate all civilian deaths caused by police officers, whether on or off duty. The office can present findings to a grand jury if it determines criminal charges may be warranted.

3. Has body-camera footage been released?

As of April 28, 2026, the OSI has not released any body-worn camera footage from the incident. Advocacy groups have called for the public release of such evidence.

4. What happens if the OSI finds wrongdoing?

If the OSI concludes that an officer’s actions violated state law, it can present its findings to a grand jury. However, the office does not have the authority to file civil charges; such cases would be referred to the relevant district attorney.

5. How long will the investigation take?

The OSI has not provided a timeline for the investigation. Similar cases have taken several months to over a year to complete, depending on the complexity of the evidence and legal proceedings.

Conclusion

The fatal shooting of Jesus Alberto Nunez Reyes by NYPD officers in Queens has once again placed the spotlight on police accountability and the mechanisms in place to investigate such incidents. As the OSI’s probe unfolds, the case will likely serve as a critical test of New York’s legal framework for addressing police-involved fatalities. For now, the community awaits answers, while advocates continue to push for systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.

For updates on the investigation, follow the New York Attorney General’s Office and local news outlets covering the story.