Queens man gets life in prison for killing NYPD Detective Brian Moore
QUEENS VILLAGE, Queens (WABC) -- The Queens man found guilty on all counts in the death of a New York City police detective in 2015 was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Demetrius Blackwell, 37, was convicted last month of first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Detective Brian Moore, who was shot in the head while on patrol with his partner.
The defense argued that Blackwell has severe mental health issues and was not in control of his actions. But the judge didn't buy that, calling Blackwell a "cold and calculated killer."
Watch an extended version of the judge's comments here:
Moore was just 25 years old, but he was already a decorated NYPD officer with more than 150 arrests. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Detective. Prior to the sentencing, Moore's mother spoke of her own pain.
"With every single missed birthday, holiday, every milestone that won't be, all that he didn't get to do, these are all painful, agonizing feelings that will be with me forever," Irene Moore said. "And this is my life sentence without the chance of parole."
In closing arguments following a three-week trial, prosecutors said Blackwell was more concerned about who won the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout as Moore lay dying at a hospital. Outside the courtroom, Moore's father didn't mince words.
"I know this piece of garbage is going to go away for the rest of his life without parole," said Raymond Moore, himself a retired Detective Sergeant. "But I feel that if New York state had the death penalty, I'd love to see this animal put down once and for all."
Moore and Officer Erik Jansen were in street clothes in an unmarked car when they attempted to stop Blackwell, who was suspected of carrying a handgun.
Authorities say Blackwell opened fire, striking Moore in the head. He died two days later.
"We're paid to do this job," Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said after the verdict. "Our families are not. Their courage is overwhelming and gives us all the strength we need to do this difficult job."
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
