NYPD Sergeant Convicted of Manslaughter in Death of Drug Suspect

An NYPD sergeant was found guilty of manslaughter on Friday for throwing a plastic cooler at a suspect who was fleeing on a scooter during a drug operation.

Sergeant Eric Duran, 38, was convicted in relation to the death of Eric Dupree, who was attempting to escape from undercover officers in the Bronx in August 2023. Dupree had been accused of trying to sell $20 worth of cocaine, according to reports.

This conviction marks the first time in ten years that an NYPD officer has been found guilty of causing a death while on duty in New York City. Duran is facing a maximum sentence of 15 years and will be sentenced on March 19th.

The decision was made by a judge instead of a jury since Duran opted to waive his right to a jury trial.

In a notable context, the case was prosecuted by the New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, which oversees police-related fatalities under a law passed in 2015.

Surveillance footage captured Dupree speeding down a sidewalk towards what appeared to be a group of people not in uniform. The video showed Duran picking up a red object, identified as a cooler, and throwing it at Dupree’s head from a short distance. As a result, Dupree lost control of his scooter, crashed into a tree, and subsequently collided with a metal barricade and parked cars, which led to his death shortly thereafter.

At the time of the incident, Dupree was evading plainclothes Drug Enforcement Administration agents engaged in a drug sting.

The ruling was announced by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Guy Mitchell in a courtroom with police officers and Dupree’s family and supporters present. Tensions in the room were palpable, prompting court officials to separate the different groups.

Duran reportedly stared down as the verdict was delivered, while Dupree’s mother and partner expressed their grief openly.

After the verdict, Dupree’s partner stated that she never lost faith in the justice system, hoping for accountability.

The president of the Sergeants’ Benevolent Association termed the ruling a “miscarriage of justice,” emphasizing that it sends a troubling message to police officers about the use of force in self-defense.

Duran defended himself by claiming he threw the cooler to protect his colleagues, but the judge dismissed this claim, deeming the use of force unjustified.

“Having considered all of the evidence, the People have proven beyond all reasonable doubt that this defendant is not justified,” Judge Mitchell asserted.

Duran has been with the NYPD since 2010, garnering multiple commendations over the years. However, he has faced scrutiny, including a documented complaint in 2022 regarding the misuse of authority during a traffic stop.