Aaron Hess, Officer Who Killed Danroy Henry, Honored
A New York police officer who shot and killed a 20-year-old Pace University student was recently named “Officer of The Year” to the outrage of the victim’s family.
In October, Officer Aaron Hess of Pleasantville murdered student-athlete Danroy Henry who police said was waiting with two of his friends in the parking lot of Finnegan’s Grille for a friend.
When a fight broke out outside the bar and police were called to the scene, Hess and another officer reported that they asked Henry to move his vehicle but he refused and hit them with it instead.
That’s when police say they were forced to use deadly force and they shot and killed the student and injured his passenger.
Since then Hess has avoided charges for the murder and in February was cleared of indictment by a grand jury.
On Friday night Officer Aaron Hess was named “Officer Of The Year” by The Police Benevolent Association of the Pleasantville Police Department who commended his “dignity and professionalism” since the shooting and throughout his career.
Although Hess was indeed cleared of criminal wrongdoing by a the grand jury, the shooting remains under investigation by the US Department of Justice.
Angella Henry, mother of Danroy Henry, released the following statement:
“I’m glad the world gets to see the arrogance we’ve been dealing with since Oct. 17, from the district attorney’s office all the way to the Police Benevolent Association,” said Mrs. Henry. “For us, it’s not a surprise.”
The Police Benevolent Association said the award was not intended to offend the Henry family.
Henry’s parents have filed a $120 million lawsuit against the Pleasantville Police Department and are eagerly awaiting a federal investigation.
