Family Challenges NYPD's Account Of Fatal Shooting

The family of Chez Fray, a 29-year-old man shot and killed by police in Far Rockaway, Queens, is disputing the New York Police Department's version of events that led to his death. According to the NYPD, officers responded to a 911 call early Sunday morning (December 21) about a domestic dispute involving Fray and his father. Upon arrival, officers encountered Fray holding a box cutter and charging at them, prompting an officer to fire his weapon.

Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera stated that Fray's father initially engaged in a physical altercation with his son before retreating behind the officers. The police reportedly ordered Fray to drop the weapon multiple times, but he refused, leading to the fatal shooting. Officers attempted CPR before Fray was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

However, Fray's family disputes this account, claiming there was no altercation between Fray and his father. They assert that Fray's father was trying to calm him down with a hug. The family has called for the New York State Attorney General's Office to investigate the incident.

NBC New York reports that the NYPD's Force Investigation Division is conducting an internal review, and the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation is expected to examine the case as well.

Neighbors described Fray as polite and quiet, with some noting he struggled with mental health issues. Kean Bravo, a neighbor, recounted hearing gunshots and the father exclaiming, "You killed my son in front of me!"

Yahoo News reports that civil rights advocate Rev. Kevin McCall is supporting the family in their quest for justice, stating that Fray's father told him about his son's mental health challenges.

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