### Trial Begins for Former Officer Accused of Wrongful Shooting of Andre Hill

Opening statements were made this Thursday in the trial of former Columbus officer Adam Coy, who is accused of fatally shooting 47-year-old Andre Hill. Prosecutors argued that Hill, a Black man, was compliant and wrongfully killed, while Coy, a white officer, mistook Hill's cellphone for a revolver.

Coy, 48, now faces potential life imprisonment if found guilty on charges of murder and reckless homicide. Prosecutor Renee Amlin emphasized to the jury that Coy's actions were unjustified and led to the tragic death of Hill.

In contrast, the defense, led by attorney Kaitlyn Stephens, acknowledged the shooting was a mistake but contended that Coy acted within the bounds of his police training, believing his life was in danger. Stephens argued that actual weapon possession is irrelevant if the perceived threat is credible, stating, "He honestly believed a revolver was being directed at him."

The incident occurred on December 22, 2020. Hill, who was at the house as a guest and had not committed any crime, was encountered by two officers responding to a call around 1:30 a.m. Body camera footage revealed Coy firing his weapon after Hill approached holding his cellphone. Coy claimed he saw a gun, but no firearm was discovered.

Testimonies have started, with Officer Amy Detweiler, Coy’s partner during the incident, recalling how they approached the garage where Hill was. Detweiler mentioned a brief conversation with Coy and noted that the license plate of a nearby SUV didn't match any resident. She stated she heard Coy yell about seeing a gun before he fired four times.

The trial, overseen by Judge Stephen McIntosh, is anticipated to last about two weeks. Coy's medical treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma has delayed proceedings. Jury selection involved extensive questioning on views about movements like Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter and exposure to media coverage on Hill’s death.

The fallout from the shooting led to Coy's dismissal from the Columbus Police Department and a $10 million settlement between the city and Hill's family in May 2021. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has called the shooting unwarranted, emphasizing that officers failed to provide medical aid to Hill, who was not an intruder but an expected guest.