Over 30 state lawmakers are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to grant a pardon to Eric Duran, a former NYPD sergeant. Duran, who was convicted of manslaughter, has referred to the case as a “clear miscarriage of justice.”
Republican Rep. Matt Slater led a letter, signed by approximately 40 of his colleagues, asking Hochul to consider a pardon for Duran. He received a sentence of at least three years in prison for throwing a cooler at a drug suspect, which resulted in the suspect’s death.
“Law enforcement must make split-second decisions for community safety, and it’s crucial they’re treated fairly when those decisions are made in good faith,” Slater wrote, representing Duran’s home district in Putnam County.
“We believe our actions were in the line of duty to prevent imminent harm, and that this warrants fair consideration,” the letter asserted.
Duran, a Bronx native and NYPD veteran of 13 years, was accused of hitting 30-year-old Eric Dupree with a full cooler during a drug raid in August 2023.
Authorities reported that Dupree was attempting to evade arrest on a motorcycle when he crashed, resulting in fatal injuries.
“Sadly, Mr. Dupree, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, died,” police officials noted.
Duran argued that he threw the cooler to steer Dupree away from other officers and civilians, but he was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter in February. The judge determined that the use of force was unjustified.
“This entire proceeding seems like a clear miscarriage of justice,” stated Slater’s letter.
“Sergeant Duran’s actions were aimed at saving innocent lives, including civilians and officers nearby.”
On April 9, the judge sentenced Duran, a married father of two at 38 years old, to three to nine years in prison, hoping the ruling would serve as a deterrent for other officers.
“What is this supposed to deter? That’s absurd,” House Minority Leader Ed La said in a statement that accompanied the letter.
“This isn’t the kind of world we want to live in. Governor Hochul has the power to correct this injustice. New York should hold criminals accountable while supporting the police in their efforts to keep the public safe. Granting a pardon to Sergeant Duran would send a vital message about the importance of public safety.”
Duran was dismissed from the NYPD after his conviction and spent a week in jail before an appeals court granted him $300,000 bail to fight the guilty verdict.
A letter calling for Duran’s pardon received signatures from 38 Republicans after it was circulated within the party conference.
Governor Hochul’s office responded that Duran needs to apply for a pardon for it to be considered.
“We follow a structured pardon process and review all applications fairly,” a spokesperson reiterated.
Duran’s legal team has yet to submit a clemency application, according to a representative from the NYPD Sergeants’ Benevolent Association.
One of Duran’s attorneys, Arthur Aidala, stated that the focus is currently on appealing the verdict, although they are open to other avenues.
“We’re prioritizing filing an appeal and correcting this injustice against Sergeant Duran,” Aidala mentioned. “But we’re not dismissing any options.”
Slater told the press that Duran’s situation “sends a deeply troubling message to law enforcement across New York.”
“I’ve heard from officers who feel that we need to acknowledge the perilous situations they’re in,” he added.
Slater, who took office in 2023, emphasized the widespread support for Duran, noting that signatories of the letter represent various regions of the state.
“This demonstrates that we have representatives from all corners of New York who recognize the injustices occurring here,” he said.
“It’s clearly wrong for a biased judge to attempt to send such a message to law enforcement.”
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, running for governor against the current Democratic incumbent Hochul, announced he would pardon Duran if elected.
After being released on bail last week, Duran expressed his determination to fight for his appeal, stating, “I’m prepared to pursue this with the same dedication I’ve shown throughout my NYPD career.”
The union and the National Police Defense Foundation are assisting in fundraising for Duran’s legal expenses.
