Craighead died on March 28, 2026, after an encounter with state police in the town of Diana. The investigation was triggered by a 911 call received on the evening of March 27 regarding a mobile home on Alpine Road.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Craighead exited the mobile home in the early morning hours of March 28 armed with a long gun and fired at troopers positioned in an armored vehicle. A trooper discharged his service weapon, striking Craighead, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a long gun at the location.
The Office of Special Investigation is reviewing the incident under New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates an assessment whenever a peace officer may have caused a person’s death by act or omission. The statute applies regardless of whether the officer or decedent was on duty, in custody, or armed.
The Attorney General’s office stated that these are preliminary facts and are subject to change.