In a tragic turn of events, a heartbroken mother’s desperate pleas fell on deaf ears as her 19-year-old son lost his life during a mental health crisis encounter with the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
Family’s Desperation
The incident unfolded in Queens when officers responded to a mental health check at the home of Win Rozario, who had called emergency services himself, indicating distress. Despite his family’s cooperation, the situation escalated rapidly as Rozario grabbed a pair of scissors and lunged at the officers.
“I begged the police not to shoot, but they still killed him,” Notan Costa, Win Rosario’s mother, tearfully said through a translator.
His family is at City Hall rallying for justice for Rosario, who cops shot earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/UzmbL2cFbg
— Josie Stratman (@JosieStratman) May 8, 2024
Fatal Encounter
Despite efforts by Rozario’s mother to intervene and disarm her son, the situation escalated further, resulting in officers firing tasers and ultimately fatally shooting the teen. The heart-wrenching scene unfolded as the family pleaded with officers, but their cries went unanswered.
Mother’s Anguish
Notan Eva Costa, Rozario’s mother, expressed her devastation during a press conference, recounting the chaos that unfolded in her home. Through a Bengali interpreter, she described the heartbreaking moment when she begged officers not to shoot her son, only to witness his tragic death.
Calls for Justice
The release of body camera footage by the New York State Attorney General’s office has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Investigations by both the Attorney General’s office and the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division are underway, shedding light on the need for improved police response to mental health crises.
Mia’s Opinion:
This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police training in handling mental health crises. It’s clear that current protocols failed to de-escalate the situation, leading to a devastating loss of life. As a society, we must demand accountability and systemic change to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Our thoughts are with the family as they navigate this unimaginable grief, and we stand in solidarity with all those advocating for justice and reform.
