New York Attorney General Release Additional Jerrel Garris Case Records

ALBANY, NY (July 8, 2025) — The New York State Office of the Attorney General is continuing its search for records related to the Jerrel Garris case, responding to a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request submitted by Robert Cox. In an email dated July 8, 2025, the Records Access Officer informed Cox that the office will continue conducting a diligent search for the requested records.

This marks the third response to Cox’s request, with the Attorney General’s office stating it will produce records on a rolling basis until all responsive and non-exempt records are provided. The office estimates the next installment of records will be available by August 25, 2025.

There is some powerful new information in these newly released records:

Jerrel Garris tried to enter Refugio de Esperenza, Mariano & Clara Rivera’s Church.
Complete police interview with the owner of New Rochelle Farms
Complete police interview with the woman whose apartment Garris entered at Heritage Homes.
The call to police from New Rochelle Farms began with “I’ve got an unstable person here”.

The initial report to police completely undermines the basis for the name calling and threats made against New Rochelle Farms

Jerrel Garris, a 37-year-old Black man, died on July 10, 2023, following an encounter with New Rochelle Police Department officers on July 3, 2023, in New Rochelle, New York. The incident began when officers responded to a complaint of Garris acting mentally unbalanced and eating unpaid items at a grocery store on Lincoln Avenue. During an attempt to arrest him, a struggle ensued, and Garris reportedly grabbed an officer’s gun, prompting Detective Steven Conn to fire a single shot, striking Garris in the neck. Garris, who had PCP and marijuana metabolites in his system and was described as appearing “out of it,” was kept on life support until his death.

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation concluded in September 2024 that Conn’s use of force was justified under New York law, as prosecutors could not disprove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was necessary to protect officers and bystanders.

The case sparked controversy, with Garris’ family and community advocates demanding accountability, alleging excessive force and highlighting Garris’ mental health struggles. A lawsuit filed by Garris’ parents in September 2024 accused Conn of reckless escalation and the city of negligence in hiring him, citing prior violent incidents. The Attorney General’s report recommended updated training for handling petty nonviolent offenses, comparing the case to high-profile police-involved deaths like Eric Garner and George Floyd, emphasizing the need for better policies to prevent such outcomes.

Newly Release Videos

OAG Records Garris Case – Brook & Winthrop

OAG Records Garris Case – Mariano Church

OAG Records Garris Case – New Rochelle Farms CCTV

OAG Records Garris Case – Lincoln Ave Ring Camera (warning: this video includes audio of the gun shot that killed Jerrel Garris

OAG Records Garris Case – Lincoln Ave Mobile Phone (warning: this video includes Jerrel Garris being treated on the ground just after he was shot)

OAG Records Garris Case – Police Interview of Toni Harris

OAG Records Garris Case – New Rochelle Farms co-Owner Jose Filipe

OAG Records Garris Case – Police Audio (phone calls and radio transmissions)

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.