Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens

December 23, 2025

NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Chez Fray, who died on December 21, 2025 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens.

At approximately 12:35 a.m. on December 21, two NYPD officers went to an apartment building in Queens in response to a 911 call. When officers arrived at the building, they went to the fourth-floor hallway, where they encountered Mr. Fray holding a boxcutter. The officers instructed Mr. Fray to drop the boxcutter, but he did not comply. One officer discharged their service weapon, striking Mr. Fray. Mr. Fray was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.