The trial of NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran commenced today, with the officer facing manslaughter charges in the death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey. According to ABC7 New York, the incident occurred during an attempted drug arrest in Aug. 2023 when Duprey attempted to escape on a scooter and Duran allegedly threw a white plastic cooler at him, causing a fatal crash. The incident marks the first trial of an on-duty officer in connection to a death in nearly a decade.
Sgt. Duran, who has pleaded not guilty, was indicted after Duprey succumbed to his injuries from blunt force trauma to the head. The anticipated bench trial will be conducted without a jury, and Duran could potentially face to up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Demonstrations took place outside of court, with activists demanding accountability and justice for the deceased, who was a father of three. CBS News reported Chivona Newsome of Black Lives Matter Greater New York stating, "This is a person who committed a violent, heinous crime that led to the death of a father of three."
The defense argues that Duprey was at fault for driving on the sidewalk, placing himself and others in danger. However, the prosecution has charged that Sgt. Duran's actions exhibited "at best ... supreme recklessness and at worst .. an intentional act of violence," as per an interview conducted by CBS News.
With the city's eyes closely watching, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how on-duty police conduct leading to civilian deaths are addressed in the courts. Hawk Newsome told CBS News, "if justice prevails in this case, he will be going to jail facing a maximum of 25 years of life. And that's what we're pushing for." While the defense aims to prove Duran's innocence, the community and Duprey's family appear to be resolved to see this trial through to a conviction.
