MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) — The fate of an NYPD sergeant charged with manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a man is in the hands of the judge.
Friday, that judge is expected to deliver his verdict for Erik Duran.
The 38-year-old is accused of throwing a cooler at a fleeing suspect in the Bronx.
The suspect, 30-year-old Eric Duprey, then crashed his scooter and died.
Duran was indicted on manslaughter charges in Duprey’s Aug. 2023 death. Duprey was a delivery worker suspected of drug dealing.
Defense attorneys say Duran made the decision, “To save his own life and the life of others.”
Before embarking into their closing, prosecutors from the state attorney general’s office brought out the red Igloo itself and placed it on the table, calling the decision to throw it was “unreasonable and unnecessary,” telling the court “you recoil because that is so inconsistent with the standard of care.”
Their case included a mix of body-worn camera video and surveillance videos they say show Duran “angry and frustrated” because his team was “losing control of the operation and Eric Duprey is getting away because they arrested the wrong guy.”
The case has been a lightning rod for activists and their calls for justice are still growing louder.
“The American judicial system needs to send a message that lawfully enforcement actions cannot go unchecked,” said activist Hawk Newsome. “Just like ICE killed a woman in her car. Just like ICE shot a peaceful protester point blank range. Just like this man who was on trial upstairs, picked up a cooler and crashed it into someone’s head. We as Americans have to draw a line in the sand.”
Duran pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, assault and criminally negligent homicide and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years behind bars if convicted.
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