Adam Coy was found guilty of murder, all charges at trial

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A former Columbus police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed black man in 2020 was convicted of murder on Monday.

Former CPD officer Adam Coy was also found guilty on charges of reckless homicide and felonious assault.

Jurors received the case late Wednesday and were unable to reach a verdict after deliberating all day Thursday and Friday.

The 15-member panel met again Monday at 9:30 a.m. and indicated just before noon that they had reached a decision.

Coy shot and killed Andre Hill while responding to a disturbance call in 2020.

Coy and another officer saw Hill in the garage of a residence with a cell phone in one hand and another object in the other hand.

Coy’s attorneys argued that their client mistook a set of keys in Hill’s hand for a gun, prompting Coy to shoot Hill, who died at the scene. Prosecutors argued that Coy was reckless in his actions.

Watch the verdict from the courtroom:

The reactions came after the verdict was read in court. The Columbus branch of the NAACP shared:

For far too long, our communities have endured the trauma of lives taken without justification or accountability. This guilty verdict is a strong message that law enforcement officers are not above the law. When their actions violate their duty to protect and serve, they will face the consequences. We recognize that nothing can truly repair the loss and pain suffered by Andre Hill’s loved ones, but this verdict brings a measure of justice that is essential to restoring trust in our system.”

Brian Steel, president of FOP Lodge #9, had the following to say after leaving the courtroom Monday:

We join the community in mourning the tragic loss of Mr. Hill, but remain steadfast in our belief that Officer Coy was subjected to political and media bias that no one should have to face in court. Today’s result reflects that environment, and we urge our community and its leaders to ensure that law enforcement officers receive fair treatment under the law — just as they work to support all officers.

Sentencing was scheduled for November 25.