The Rozario Family’s Tragic Experience
The family of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old youth who was fatally shot by NYPD officers during a mental health crisis, have publicly compared their treatment in the aftermath of the incident to that of “animals”. They made fervent appeals to Mayor Adams on Wednesday, demanding he terminate the two officers implicated in the tragic event.
Late last week, over five weeks post the fatal March 27 shooting, body-cam footage was released. The footage showed NYPD officers trespassing into the Rozario’s Queens residence, tasing the teenager, and then shooting him, all in a span of a mere three minutes.
An Anguished Mother’s Plea
Notan Eva Costa, the deceased’s mother, expressed her deep-seated agony at a press conference held on the steps of City Hall. “These were grown men with guns,” she declared tearfully through her translator, grieving the loss of her child, “They did not have to kill my child. I tried to protect my child. I implored the police not to shoot. But they still killed him.”
Investigating the Incident
The State Attorney General has initiated an inquiry into the incident that has not only left the Bangladeshi immigrant family in deep anguish but also increased public resentment against NYPD’s handling of 911 calls involving mentally ill individuals.
Harrowing Aftermath of the Tragedy
Following his death, Rozario’s parents revealed their torment, noting that they were not allowed to return home for two days after the fatal shooting and so had to make alternative sleeping arrangements. They also voiced concerns about the potential harm to Rozario’s mother and brother, who were in the house at the same time, asserting they were at a grave risk too.
The father, Francis Rozario, lamented about the treatment meted out to his family by the responding police officers, Matthew Cianfrocco and Salvatore Alongi. “What Cianfrocco and Alongi did to my son should never have happened,” he expressed. “They treated my family like we were animals. They almost killed my wife and my other son. It’s not right.”
Unfolding of the Fateful Night
State Attorney General Letitia James released body-cam footage showcasing the two officers entering the house in response to a 911 call, reportedly made by Rozario himself. Despite pleas made by his 17-year-old brother indicating his mental health crisis, the officers confronted Rozario who picked up a pair of scissors. This subsequently led to him being tased by an officer as his mother and brother pleaded for restraint. Following initial resistance, Rozario momentarily relinquished the item. However, upon being tased again, he picked up the scissors and ran towards the officers, leading to multiple gunshots by the latter, culminating in his untimely death.
The Plea for Justice
Rallying for justice, the distraught family has appealed to the mayor to terminate the employment of the two officers involved. Rozario’s 17-year-old brother, Utsho, stated, “Mayor Adams is sending out the message that the NYPD can murder teenagers in our own homes and get away with it. They need to be fired and prosecuted immediately.”
In response to requests for a statement, the mayor’s office cited a previous comment, “I share the profound pain felt by New Yorkers after watching the tragic video of the incident … Out of respect for the process, I will avoid commenting any further.”
Investigations in Progress
The NYPD stated it is cooperating entirely with the Attorney General’s investigation. Its own NYPD Force Investigation Division is also conducting a parallel investigation. Currently, the involved officers are on modified duty and are not armed. The city’s largest police union has shown support for the two cops involved.
Remembering Win Rozario
The family commemorated Rozario, remembering him as a disciplined student who aspired to join the military and save money to buy a farm. Utsho, who considered Rozario his role model, mourned his loss deeply.
Details regarding Rozario’s health or potential treatment were withheld by the family’s attorney.
“No mother should have to go through the pain I’m living through,” Costa added, echoing sentiments of grieving mothers everywhere.