The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) has substantiated several misconduct charges against NYPD Officers Salvatore Alongi and Matthew Cianfrocco in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Win Rozario in Queens last year. According to reports by THE CITY, each officer faces four counts including excessive force and abuse of authority; the decision paves the way for an administrative trial or other disciplinary actions pending a final say by the police commissioner.
Body-cam footage showed the sequence in Rozario's kitchen where his mother and brother witnessed the escalation—first, a Taser shot by Alongi, followed by a lethal bullet fired by Cianfrocco as the officers responded to a mental health episode, leading to Rozario's death. Statements from both publications reveal the family's emotional pain and their intent to continue seeking justice, Notan Eva Costa, Rozario's mother, communicated her ongoing heartbreak over losing her son and the stress caused by the incident—stating "I still feel the trauma of Alongi and Cianfrocco murdering Win in front of me, and almost killing me and my other son too," as Gothamist detailed.
The officers involved have been placed on modified duty since the incident, with the NYPD's Force Investigation Division still reviewing the matter, added by the Police Benevolent Association's defense of the officers' actions, claiming they acted within department guidelines and that their decisions were influenced by immediate risks in the environment. Yet, police reform advocates, like Justice Committee's Loyda Colon, expressed concerns over potential delay tactics often seen in police misconduct proceedings—demanding immediate service of discipline charges.
Win Rozario’s family filed a federal lawsuit three months ago, accusing the officers of mishandling the response and criticizing the events that followed the shooting, during which Costa and her younger son, Utsho, were reportedly questioned separately and not allowed to return to their apartment.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing discussions about the NYPD’s role in mental health crises, Mayor Eric Adams has remained largely silent on the case, offering only a brief statement after the release of body-cam footage. Advocates say he has not responded to repeated requests for direct communication from the family. The state attorney general’s office continues its review, with officials confirming that the investigation is ongoing.
