In a tragic turn of events, 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who recently completed middle school in central New York City, was fatally shot by police on Friday night. The incident occurred after Nyah allegedly pointed what turned out to be a BB gun at officers during a foot chase. The boy’s family, who immigrated from Myanmar a decade ago, is now calling for justice and accountability from the police.
A Family’s pursuit of the American dream
“We came to the United States, finally, to get the education and to get the good jobs here,” said Lay Htoo, Nyah’s cousin. The family had sought a peaceful life after decades of conflict in Myanmar. Instead of celebrating Nyah’s transition to high school, his parents are now waiting for medical examiners to release his body and questioning the fate of the involved officers. “They want them to be in prison forever,” Htoo added.
Community and official responses
The state attorney general and the Utica Police Department have launched investigations into the shooting. Nyah’s relatives, along with local members of Myanmar’s Karen ethnic minority, planned to meet with Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime to discuss the incident. For now, the officers involved are on paid administrative leave. Utica, an old industrial city with a significant refugee population, including over 4,200 people from Myanmar, has seen a measure of revival in recent years.
The Fatal encounter
According to police reports, Nyah and another 13-year-old were stopped on Friday night because they matched descriptions of suspects in an armed robbery and one teen was jaywalking. Body camera footage shows an officer attempting to pat them down for weapons before Nyah fled, turning to point a black item at the officers, which they believed to be a handgun. It was later identified as a BB or pellet gun resembling a Glock 17 Gen 5 handgun. Officer Bryce Patterson tackled and punched Nyah, and as they wrestled, Officer Patrick Husnay fired a single shot, hitting Nyah in the chest. Utica Police Chief Mark Williams described the incident as “a tragic and traumatic event for all involved.”
A bystander video posted on Facebook corroborated the body camera footage, showing the physical altercation and the gunshot. Under New York law, the attorney general’s office investigates all deaths involving law enforcement. The police department will also review whether the officers adhered to their training and policies. Williams emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency by releasing information and body camera footage. However, Nyah’s cousin, Isabella Moo, criticized the police narrative, stating, “The escalation of this should not have happened, and our police officers need to be trained a lot better or a lot differently. The city needs to be held accountable, and this should not have been done to any child.”
The Mway family’s journey
Nyah’s family, part of the Karen ethnic group persecuted in Myanmar, fled to Thailand two decades ago, where Nyah was born in a refugee camp. They immigrated to the United States through a resettlement program nine years ago. Htoo described Nyah as a bright student keen on math, soccer, and spending time with friends. Despite being Buddhist, Nyah sometimes attended Bible study with his friends, showcasing his eagerness to learn.
On the night of the incident, Nyah told his mother he was going to a store, and that was the last time she saw him. His mother has been unable to sleep, her grief overwhelming her as she mourns the loss of her son.