The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability released on Mar. 12 radio recordings and body-worn camera footage from five officers involved in a fatal police shooting that occurred on January 19 in Newark, New Jersey. The civilian who died was identified as Wali Bey, age 42, of Newark.
The release of these materials is part of the office’s policy to ensure transparency and fairness during investigations into fatal police encounters. Representatives for Mr. Bey’s family were given a chance to review the recordings before they were made public.
According to the investigation, an officer with the Newark Police Department’s Quality-of-Life Unit was conducting surveillance near Ross Street and Thorne Street when suspected narcotics activity was observed. At about 1:09 p.m., a description of two suspect vehicles, including a white Chrysler, was broadcast over police radio. Both plainclothes and uniformed officers responded to the scene. Officer Nashid Reynolds was among those who arrived at approximately 1:11 p.m., where officers detained two civilians against the Chrysler and ordered its driver—later identified as Mr. Bey—to place his hands on the dashboard.
As events unfolded, Officer Reynolds assisted in detaining another civilian when the Chrysler began reversing. Reynolds approached the vehicle, placed his hand on its hood, and shouted at Mr. Bey not to move. The car then moved forward, prompting Reynolds to fire his weapon multiple times into the vehicle, striking both Mr. Bey and another occupant. The Chrysler continued down Ross Street before crashing into a parked car; medical aid was provided immediately after by Officer Reynolds.
Both wounded individuals were transported to University Hospital in Newark where Mr. Bey was pronounced dead at 1:51 p.m.; the other civilian survived after treatment. Any criminal charges related to civilian suspects are being handled by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Attorney General’s Office is required by law (N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2)) to investigate deaths involving law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or while someone is in custody; such cases must be presented to a grand jury for possible indictment decisions.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property, uphold legal standards, and deliver statewide enforcement and legal support according to the official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities according to its website, influencing public safety through law enforcement oversight as reported by its website. It holds authority across New Jersey for enforcing laws, prosecuting offenses, regulating public safety matters according to its statutory mandate, offers state legal representation, crime lab support, victim advocacy, consumer protection initiatives as described on its website, and functions as an agency focused on justice and public safety statewide according to its website.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated under New Jersey’s Independent Prosecutor Directive can be found on the Attorney General’s website.
