What is the relationship between Adam Coy and Andre Hill?
Adam Coy and Andre Hill are connected by a widely reported 2020 incident in Cincinnati, Ohio, in which Andre Hill was fatally shot by Adam Coy, then a police officer with the Cincinnati Police Department. The event led to criminal charges, a conviction, and a civil settlement. This evergreen explainer clarifies their relationship (officer and civilian), the sequence of key events, legal outcomes, and publicly documented facts to provide durable context and reduce confusion.
Verified incident and context
On November 19, 2020, Cincinnati police responded to a reported vehicle-with-suspended-headlights call in the Avondale neighborhood. Andre Hill, a 50-year-old Black man, encountered officers including Adam Coy. Body-worn camera footage shows Hill walking away, then turning toward officers. Coy fired a single gunshot that struck Hill in the chest, resulting in death. An independent prosecutor reviewed the case; criminal charges followed, making this a significant reference point in public discussions on police use of force.
Criminal charges, conviction, and sentence
The Hamilton County Prosecutor presented evidence to a grand jury, which indicted Adam Coy on charges including voluntary manslaughter and dereliction of duty. In 2023, Coy pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of negligent homicide and accepted a sentence of six and a half years in prison. He was dismissed from the Cincinnati Police Department and remained subject to civil litigation. This outcome is documented in court records and is a core factual anchor for the incident.
Criminal case outcomes at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of incident | November 19, 2020 | Police reports and news archives |
| Charges filed | Voluntary manslaughter, dereliction of duty | Court indictment |
| Plea entered | No contest to negligent homicide (2023) | Court records |
| Sentence | 6.5 years imprisonment | Sentencing memorandum |
| Employment outcome | Termination from Cincinnati Police Department | Department personnel records |
Civil litigation and settlement
The Hill family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Cincinnati and individual officers. The case was settled in 2023 for $25 million. The settlement included formal acknowledgments that the shooting was not in accordance with department policy and underscored failures in supervision and training. The civil resolution is documented in court filings and city financial records and remains a key part of the public record.
Broader context and policy changes
The incident influenced local and national discussions on policing, use-of-force policy, and supervision. In response, Cincinnati committed to procedural reforms, including enhanced de-escalation training, stricter duty-to-intervene expectations, and revised supervision protocols. These changes are documented in city council materials and police policy updates, reflecting the lasting institutional impact of the event.
- Adam Coy: former Cincinnati police officer convicted of negligent homicide.
- Andre Hill: civilian fatally shot during a traffic-related stop in November 2020.
- Relationship context: officer–civilian encounter precipitated by a vehicle equipment violation.
- Legal outcome: criminal conviction, incarceration, and a seven-figure civil settlement.
- Institutional effect: prompted departmental policy reforms and ongoing community oversight measures.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were Adam Coy and Andre Hill personally acquainted?
No. They had no prior personal relationship; the encounter occurred during a routine police operation initiated by a traffic stop.
What role did body-worn camera footage play?
The footage provided a clear record of actions and commands, shaping prosecutorial decisions, public understanding, and use-of-force reviews.
How did the conviction affect Adam Coy’s career?
Coy was terminated from the Cincinnati Police Department and could not return to sworn law enforcement in that capacity; he also faced lasting professional restrictions.
Was the shooting ruled justified prior to legal proceedings?
No. Initial reviews by prosecutors and independent investigators concluded the shooting was not justified under department policy or state law, leading to criminal charges.
What reforms resulted from the case?
Cincinnati implemented policy changes focused on de-escalation, duty-to-intervene, reporting requirements, and supervision, with ongoing monitoring by community oversight bodies.