Police Officer Convicted

A New York City police officer, Sergeant Erik Duran, was convicted on Friday of second-degree manslaughter. The verdict was handed down by Judge Guy Mitchell in Bronx criminal court, related to the 2023 death of Eric Duprey.

Incident Details

On August 23, 2023, Eric Duprey, 30, sold drugs to an undercover officer in the Bronx and then attempted to flee on a motorized scooter. Security footage showed Sgt. Duran, a member of a narcotics unit, throwing a picnic cooler filled with drinks at Duprey.

The cooler struck Duprey, causing him to lose control of the scooter. He then collided with a tree and crashed, sustaining fatal head injuries. Duprey was not wearing a helmet.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

Sgt. Duran had pleaded not guilty and opted for a bench trial, meaning Judge Mitchell rendered the verdict.

Judge Mitchell stated that Duran's status as a police officer had no bearing on the judgment.

Duran was convicted of second-degree manslaughter. He was also charged with criminally negligent homicide and assault; the assault count was dismissed, and a verdict was not delivered on the negligent homicide charge after the manslaughter conviction.

Officer's Defense and Prosecution's Argument

During the trial, Duran testified that he had only seconds to react and was attempting to protect other officers from Duprey, who he claimed was speeding toward them.

Prosecutors countered that Duprey did not pose an immediate threat and that his death resulted from Duran's reckless actions. They suggested Duran had sufficient time to warn others instead of throwing the cooler.

Consequences

Following his conviction, Sgt. Duran was dismissed from the New York Police Department, as mandated by state law. He is scheduled for sentencing on March 19 and faces a potential prison term of up to 15 years. The case was prosecuted by the office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James.