Attorney general unveils bodycam footage of NYPD’s fatal shooting of Jason Pass

January 11, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Attorney General Letitia James, who has released police bodycam footage as part of the investigation into Jason Pass's death.
Photo: Ted Shaffrey/AP

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Attorney General Letitia James made public police body-worn camera footage on Wednesday as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Jason Pass, who was fatally shot by the NYPD on Nov. 1, 2023.

Jason Pass, aged 47, was involved in a fatal police encounter in Bath Beach, Brooklyn, ending a three-day manhunt following the alleged murder of his neighbor and stepson this past November.

Pass was a suspect in the killing of 47-year-old Bladimy Mathurin and his 27-year-old stepson, Chinwai Mode, in East Flatbush, following a noise dispute.

The NYPD reported that Pass was discovered hiding in a vehicle and was shot after a confrontation with officers. The use of a license plate reader was crucial in locating Pass, who was found in his black Honda CRV.

The video released on Wednesday shows officers surrounding Pass while pleading with him to throw down a knife. Pass can be heard in the video saying, “Whatever happens, officers, just know that none of this had nothing to do with none of y’all.”

Towards the end of the video one officer is heard saying, “Just drop the knife, that’s all we’re asking. Just do us that favor and drop it. You know you want to. Am I right?”

Pass responds, calls them “good cops” twice and apologizes before rushing towards the officers. A group of officers, who were surrounding Pass in a semicircle, then open fire as he quickly drops to the ground.

The footage, obtained from three NYPD officers’ body cameras, was released by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General’s Office, adhering to James’ directive for transparency in such investigations.

The OSI, under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, evaluates incidents where an officer’s action or inaction may have resulted in a death. This protocol applies regardless of the officer’s duty status or the decedent’s circumstances, including whether the individual was armed or in custody. If OSI finds preliminary evidence suggesting an officer’s involvement in a death, a full investigation is initiated.