COLUMBUS, Ohio — Attorneys representing former Columbus police officer Adam Coy filed a motion on Monday asking for a new trial, claiming there was misconduct among the prosecutors.

What You Need To Know

  • Coy was found guilty for killing Andre Hill, a Black man, in December of 2020

  • His attorneys said the prosecution withheld evidence from an expert, who had the opinion that Coy acted reasonably 

  • Coy's sentencing is set for Nov. 25

On Nov. 4, Coy was found guilty on counts of murder, felonious assault and reckless homicide for the death of Andre Hill in December of 2020. 

In the motion, attorneys Mark Collins and Kaitlyn Stephens claim that Deputy Chief Counsel Anthony Pierson and Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Renee Amlin withheld evidence, which hindered Coy's right to a fair trial. 

The motion states Coys attorneys later learned that the prosecution hid an expert witness from the defense, who provided "the State of Ohio with an opinion that Adam Coy’s conduct was consistent with a response to a perceived deadly threat, and therefore, he was justified in his response."

The expert witness was listed as Jamie Borden, a body worn camera video expert and force science use of force expert, as well as a former Nevada police officer. The attorneys claim Pierson consulted with Borden when he worked in the Attorney General Dave Yost's office.

The motion claims the State of Ohio informed Borden that he was no longer needed as a consult for his services after giving his opinion of the case, which was that Coy's reaction was justified based on the situation. 

“The suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused upon request violates due process whether the evidence is material either to guilt or to punishment, irrespective if the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution," the motion states.

It goes on to say that the prosecution is responsible for disclosing all information, whether in favor of or against the defendent.

"Here, the State of Ohio withheld information by a dual expert who provided an opinion that the State of Ohio did not like because it was favorable to our client, Adam Coy, and contrary to the State’s theories," the motion states.

Pierson said he plans to respond to the motion.

Coy is currently awaiting sentencing, which is set for Nov. 25. 

Correction: This article has been corrected to say Adam Coy's attorneys became aware of the expert witness from the investigation. (Nov. 20, 2024)

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