Closing arguments wrap in trial of NYPD sergeant charged with killing man with cooler
MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) -- The fate of an NYPD sergeant charged with manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a man in the Bronx is now in the hands of the judge.
Prosecutors and the defense made their closing arguments on Tuesday in a court in Lower Manhattan.
The judge in the case has told all parties to return on Friday for the reading of his verdict.
NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran is accused of hurling a cooler at a drug suspect as he fled arrest in the Bronx, killing the man.
Duran was indicted on manslaughter charges in the Aug. 2023 death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey, a delivery worker suspected of drug dealing.
The three-week trial is coming to an end after defense attorneys presented closing arguments first -- telling the court as Duprey was fleeing arrest on a scooter, Sgt. Duran had "1.4 seconds" to make a decision "to save his own life and the life of others" saying, "He was driving directly at them. He was trying to run them over. He was ambushing them."
Summations come just one day after Duran decided to take the stand in his own defense, testifying Monday, "He was gonna crash into us," explaining "I mean, I didn't have time. All I had time for was to try again to stop or to try to get him to change directions. That's all I had the time to think of."
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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