Lawsuit filed against NYC and police by family of mentally ill Queens man shot dead by officers.

The family of Win Rozario, a 19-year-old from Queens, has filed a lawsuit against the city of New York following his fatal shooting by police in March 2024. The lawsuit, submitted on Monday, alleges that officers breached multiple NYPD regulations and that the deadly encounter was unwarranted. This incident, which has garnered significant public attention, unfolded after Rozario called 911 seeking assistance.

The complaint targets the NYPD and specifically names officers Salvatore Alongi and Matthew Cianfrocco. According to the allegations, the officers arrived at Rozario’s residence within minutes of the call and immediately issued commands, opening fire less than two minutes later. The incident was recorded on bodycam footage provided by the NYPD.

At the time of the shooting, Rozario was reportedly holding a pair of yellow kitchen scissors. The lawsuit contends that the distance between Rozario and the officers posed no immediate threat, asserting that had law enforcement attempted to de-escalate the situation, Rozario would still be alive. Furthermore, the family’s lawsuit criticizes the handling of the incident, claiming the officers escalated tensions rather than alleviating them.

The emotional toll on the family has been profound. Rozario’s relatives expressed their frustration over the lack of action against the officers involved, noting that no disciplinary measures—such as termination, arrest, or prosecution—have been taken since the shooting. The family has called for criminal charges against Alongi and Cianfrocco, asserting that the situation could have been handled more judiciously.

Currently, multiple investigations into the matter are underway, encompassing inquiries by the NYPD Force Investigation Division, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and the New York State Attorney General’s office. An NYPD spokesman indicated that the department would review the lawsuit when formally served.

In the aftermath of this tragic event, Rozario’s family has expressed concern over the officers’ continued employment with the NYPD. Cianfrocco and Alongi are currently on desk duty, with reported salaries nearing 0,000. The family’s attorney has termed their ongoing payment a “disgrace,” highlighting the complexities surrounding accountability within the police force following violent incidents.

In response to the incident, the Police Benevolent Association has defended the actions of the officers, emphasizing the challenging decisions officers must make in unpredictable circumstances.

The situation surrounding Win Rozario’s death continues to evolve, raising crucial questions about police response protocols and the treatment of individuals in crisis. As investigations proceed, the family remains in pursuit of justice, hoping for meaningful reforms within the NYPD.