NYPD Sergeant Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Bronx Shooting Case
A New York judge has handed down a guilty verdict to an NYPD sergeant who was accused of killing a man by throwing a cooler at his head during a botched drug bust. The case drew widespread attention and outrage after it was revealed that the sergeant, Erik Duran, had used excessive force against Eric Duprey in August 2023.
Duprey, 31, died almost instantly from head injuries sustained when Duran threw a cooler at him while trying to stop him on his scooter. The incident occurred during an undercover operation by Duran and other Bronx narcotics officers, who were attempting to arrest drug dealers in the area.
According to prosecutors, Duran had no right to use deadly physical force against Duprey, who was not posing an imminent threat to anyone. The defense argued that Duran believed Duprey's motorbike was going to be used as a weapon and threw the cooler to stop him, saying "We don't teach officers to throw coolers, but when that is the only way to save a life, that is what they should do."
However, the judge rejected this argument and found Duran guilty of second-degree manslaughter. The verdict has been met with relief from advocates for police accountability, who say it sends a signal that excessive force by law enforcement will not be tolerated.
"This verdict does draw a line," said Hawk and Chivona Newsome, founders of Black Lives Matter Greater New York. "A guilty verdict does not bring Eric back, but it does something New York too often refuses to do when the harm comes from someone wearing a badge: It draws a line."
However, not everyone is pleased with the verdict. Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, called the verdict a "miscarriage of justice" and vowed that his union will review all legal options to overturn it.
The sergeant has been dismissed from the department under state law, which requires police officers convicted of felonies to be terminated. He faces five to 15 years in prison for his role in Duprey's death and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.
Attorney General Letitia James offered her condolences to Duprey's family, saying that while the verdict cannot bring him back, it gives justice to his memory.
A New York judge has handed down a guilty verdict to an NYPD sergeant who was accused of killing a man by throwing a cooler at his head during a botched drug bust. The case drew widespread attention and outrage after it was revealed that the sergeant, Erik Duran, had used excessive force against Eric Duprey in August 2023.
Duprey, 31, died almost instantly from head injuries sustained when Duran threw a cooler at him while trying to stop him on his scooter. The incident occurred during an undercover operation by Duran and other Bronx narcotics officers, who were attempting to arrest drug dealers in the area.
According to prosecutors, Duran had no right to use deadly physical force against Duprey, who was not posing an imminent threat to anyone. The defense argued that Duran believed Duprey's motorbike was going to be used as a weapon and threw the cooler to stop him, saying "We don't teach officers to throw coolers, but when that is the only way to save a life, that is what they should do."
However, the judge rejected this argument and found Duran guilty of second-degree manslaughter. The verdict has been met with relief from advocates for police accountability, who say it sends a signal that excessive force by law enforcement will not be tolerated.
"This verdict does draw a line," said Hawk and Chivona Newsome, founders of Black Lives Matter Greater New York. "A guilty verdict does not bring Eric back, but it does something New York too often refuses to do when the harm comes from someone wearing a badge: It draws a line."
However, not everyone is pleased with the verdict. Vincent Vallelong, president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, called the verdict a "miscarriage of justice" and vowed that his union will review all legal options to overturn it.
The sergeant has been dismissed from the department under state law, which requires police officers convicted of felonies to be terminated. He faces five to 15 years in prison for his role in Duprey's death and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19.
Attorney General Letitia James offered her condolences to Duprey's family, saying that while the verdict cannot bring him back, it gives justice to his memory.
? like what just happened w/ that conversation? anyway, im kinda thinking bout getting a new bike 
, not sure if i want to get one w/ those fancy electric motors tho, dont wanna be stuck w/ a battery that dies mid-ride lol. and have u seen those vids of people folding laundry in slow motion on tiktok? so satisfying 
! The NYPD sergeant who killed Eric Duprey with a cooler is finally held accountable 
. I mean, come on, throwing a cooler at someone's head? That's like, so not cool 
. But seriously, it's about time someone gets punished for their actions.
. It's about time we see some real change. This verdict sends a clear message that excessive force won't be tolerated 
. I just hope Vincent Vallelong and his union don't try to appeal it too much 
.
. Letitia James said all the right things, you feel? Sorry Eric, we're gonna miss your scooter skills 
. But his legacy lives on, and now others will think twice before throwing coolers 
.
... I mean, who throws a cooler at someone's head? That don't sound like no legit reason for excessive force. And the defense trying to spin it as "saving a life" just doesn't sit right with me. It sounds like a cover-up to me 
The fact that his union is already trying to overturn the verdict tells me they're hiding somethin'...
. I mean, come on, a cooler to the head? That's not excessive force, that's just common sense 
. If Eric Duprey was going to use his scooter as a weapon, then maybe he should've been arrested for reckless endangerment instead of getting murdered 
.
a sergeant gets away with throwing a cooler at some guy's head and killing him? no way! 
. As for the "we don't teach officers to throw coolers" defense... please 
but I hope it sends even stronger signals that excessive force won't be tolerated in the future 
That cop got what's coming to him 
That's insane 
The defense lawyer's excuse just didn't fly 
Come on, dude! 
It's like the system is saying "oh, sorry buddy, we'll let you off with a slap on the wrist" 
Are you kidding me? 
but I feel bad for his family too 
and yeah, the Sergeants Benevolent Association is being super shady 
and to Attorney General Letitia James, thanks for speakin' up for them 
No seriously though, it's crazy that the defense tried to say they were just trying to save the guy's life by throwing a cooler, but I don't think that flies 
. Now we just gotta hope he gets the time he deserves 
.
meanwhile, eric duprey's family is still waiting for justice...this verdict might bring some closure but let's be real, it's not gonna change anything in the future 