Ex-Columbus Officer Sentenced to 15 Years-Life for Killing Andre Hill

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Nearly five years after the fatal shooting of Andre Hill, a former Columbus police officer has been sentenced to prison.

Adam Coy (48) was sentenced Monday in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to 15 years to life for murder, reckless homicide, and felonious assault. He’ll be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. Coy must also register as a violent offender.

Coy shot and killed Hill (47) in December 2020 while responding to a non-emergency call about a suspicious vehicle. Hill, who was unarmed, was exiting a garage with his phone in his hand when Coy fired four times. Coy later testified he believed Hill had a gun. It turned out to be a set of keys.

“In those trainings, I was taught to respond to a threat without hesitation because action beats reaction,” Coy told the court. “I feel my actions were justified… I disagree with the jury’s decision.”

Coy’s body camera wasn’t turned on until after the shooting. Once audio picked up, Coy can be seen not offering aid to Hill. He later died at the hospital.

Hill’s family gave emotional statements at sentencing:

“He was the heart and soul of our family,” said Hill’s sister, Shawna Barnett. “He was thoughtful, loving, funny, and full of life. He was a son, a father, a brother—deeply loved by all who truly knew him.”

Coy was convicted in November 2024 after a two-week trial and about 12 hours of deliberation. His case had faced multiple delays, including a postponement due to his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in 2023.

Coy’s legal team plans to appeal, arguing he followed department training and perceived a threat. Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge 9 President Brian Steel backed Coy’s defense, calling the conviction “deeply flawed.”

Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor said the sentencing reflects accountability.

“When that power is greatly misused, accountability is not an option. It is essential,” she said.

Coy has already served 247 days in jail and will receive credit toward his sentence. His attorneys expect the appeal process to take six months to a year.