NEW YORK (AP) — Erik Duran, a former New York City police sergeant, has been sentenced to three to nine years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter for throwing a picnic cooler at Eric Duprey, a fleeing suspect, leading to his fatal crash.
During a court appearance, Duran expressed remorse, stating, I took this job to save lives. I felt terrible once I saw Eric Duprey crash, while addressing Duprey's family directly in Spanish through an interpreter. Duprey's mother was visibly emotional during the proceedings, emphasizing her loss.
Judge Guy Mitchell rejected Duran's defense that he acted in self-defense or to protect fellow officers, believing that Duran's actions were motivated by anger as Duprey attempted to escape.
Duran's lawyer indicated plans to appeal the conviction, asserting the need for public scrutiny regarding police accountability. Nobody's above the law, shouted a supporter outside the courtroom following the ruling.
The tragic incident occurred during a narcotics operation on August 23, 2023, when Duprey, reportedly fleeing from officers, collided with a tree after being struck by the cooler.
Surveillance footage captured the moment Duran hurled the cooler at the suspect, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and sustained fatal head injuries, dying almost instantly. Prosecutors highlighted that Duran had ample opportunity to alert those around him but chose to act out of frustration.
The case has garnered strong reactions from both police advocacy groups and accountability activists, with Duran's union advocating for leniency while protesters demanded justice for Duprey.
Duprey, a delivery driver and father of three children, is remembered by his family as more than just a case number, with his mother assertively contesting police claims regarding her son’s involvement in illegal activities.
