Andre Hill, a 47-year-old unarmed African American man became another Black Lives Matter victim when he was shot and killed by a white police officer, Adam Coy, of the Columbus, Ohio Police Department on December 22, 2020. Coy responded to a non-emergency call from a neighbor who reported suspicious activity involving someone sitting in an SUV and turning the vehicle on and off. Hill was leaving a friend’s house when Officer Coy confronted him and shot him, mistaking the smartphone Hill was holding for a gun.
Andre Hill was born on May 23, 1973. He grew up in the Brentnell neighborhood of Columbus where he was known for his reserved nature. Hill, who attended Northland High School, had one daughter and a granddaughter, and was remembered as a devoted father and grandfather. According to a friend, he was also an excellent cook and was believed to have been employed at a downtown restaurant.
Once word came out about Hill’s death, local and regional press in the state of Ohio began picking up the story. Then shortly after the body cam footage was released to the public by the Colombus Police Department. National News Media Outlets also began to quickly publicize the incident as well. The body footage of Officer Coy showed him shooting and killing Hill. Shortly after the incident, one of Hill friends told police that he was dropping off Christmas money at the house when he was also confronted by Officer Coy.
Soon after the shooting, African American attorney Ben Crump, who had developed a national reputation after involvement in similar cases, began to represent the Hill family. A memorial was held for Andre Hill at the First Church of God Church in Columbus. Attorney Ben Crump and Reverend Al Sharpton both spoke at the memorial service. Meanwhile Officer Coy was fired from his job on December 28 and shortly afterward was charged with murder one count, felonious assault one count and dereliction of duty two counts. by the Franklin County prosecutor’s office. Coy pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.
In 2021, a year after the shooting, Columbus City officials agreed to pay a $10 million settlement to the family of Andre Hill. It would be one of the largest wrongful death settlements in the city’s history. As part of the settlement, the community dedicated a Park in honor of Andre Hill. his name. The city also renamed the Brentnell Community Center, the Andre’ Hill Gymnasium.
