New York Attorney General Letitia James says new information prompted probe into death of man in Wyandanch in Suffolk police custody

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has opened an investigation into the death of a man in the custody of Suffolk police last year, the office announced on Monday.

The Office of Special Investigations launched the investigation into the Aug. 1 death of Henry Sanders in Wyandanch after receiving new information about the case, the attorney general said in a news release. The attorney general’s office declined to discuss Sanders’ cause of death or the new information. It also declined to comment when asked if foul play may be involved in Sanders’ death.

Sanders' mother, Lenora Pinion, filed a notice of claim in October saying they intend to file a suit against the county and the Suffolk police department. Family lawyers said community members saw her son having a medical crisis while the two officers restrained Sanders and used excessive force.

Attorneys Heather Palmore, David Jeffries and Ronald Austin, who said they intend to file a suit, said in a joint statement it was a “homicidal encounter with law enforcement.”

According to the attorney general’s office, Suffolk County police responded to a store at North 15th Street and Merritt Avenue following multiple 911 calls at approximately 10:22 a.m. on Aug. 1. Upon arrival, the officers found Sanders and took him into custody. Sanders appeared to become unresponsive, and police transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Suffolk police declined to comment on Monday’s announcement or the notice of claim.

Under New York law, the Office of Special Investigation conducts a preliminary assessment in situations where police officers, correction officers and other law enforcement officials may have caused a death. If the Office of Special Investigation determines an officer may have caused a death, it launches a full investigation of the incident.