State investigators are looking into the death of a man who died after an encounter with correction officers at a Wyoming County prison.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation has opened a full investigation into the death of King Crittenden, who died January 14, 2024 after an incident at Wyoming Correctional Facility in Attica. The office had been conducting a preliminary review but moved to a full investigation after receiving new information.
According to the Attorney General’s office, correction and medical staff found Crittenden unresponsive in his dormitory unit and provided aid. He regained consciousness but later became combative, officials said.
Officers restrained him, and Crittenden again became unresponsive. Staff provided additional aid, but he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the facility.
The Office of Special Investigation is required under state law to review any incident in which a police or peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused a person’s death through an act or omission. If that initial review suggests officer involvement, the office proceeds with a full investigation.
Investigators noted that officers may be on or off duty and that individuals involved may be incarcerated or not at the time of an incident. The law also applies regardless of whether the person was armed.
The Attorney General’s office said the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
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