In a landmark case, an NYPD sergeant has been convicted of manslaughter following a deadly incident during a drug arrest in the Bronx. Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, was found guilty for his role in the death of 24-year-old Eric Duprey, who was riding a scooter when he was struck by a plastic cooler thrown by Duran during a 2023 undercover operation.
The incident occurred during a “buy-and-bust” operation involving a $20 cocaine sale. As plainclothes narcotics officers moved in to arrest Duprey, he attempted to flee. Instead of standing trial before a jury, Duran waived that right, opting for a bench trial presided over by Bronx Supreme Court Judge Guy Mitchell. The verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, marking the first conviction of an on-duty NYC officer for a killing in nearly a decade.
Duran now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for March 19. The prosecution was led by the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, which gained jurisdiction over police-involved fatalities due to a 2015 state law.
Central to the case was surveillance footage showing Duprey riding his scooter toward a group of individuals who appeared to be unmarked officers. As he approached, Duran was seen lifting and throwing the cooler at Duprey’s head. The impact caused Duprey to lose control, resulting in a fatal collision with a tree, metal barricade, and parked car.
The courtroom atmosphere was charged as the verdict was announced, with Duprey’s family, friends, and supporters visibly emotional. Duprey’s mother, Gretchen Soto, and his partner, Pearl Velez, expressed their relief and gratitude for the outcome. Velez stated, “I never lost faith. I always knew justice was going to happen.”
Duran defended his actions during the trial, claiming he acted to protect his fellow officers, suggesting he believed Duprey posed a threat. However, Judge Mitchell rejected this defense, stating that the evidence did not support Duran’s justification for his actions.
The Sergeants’ Benevolent Association criticized the verdict, labeling it a “miscarriage of justice” and asserting Duran’s innocence. SBA President Vincent Vallelong expressed concern that such verdicts could deter officers from exercising force when they deem it necessary for their safety.
Duran, who joined the NYPD in 2010, had received numerous commendations throughout his career, although his record also included a finding of abuse of authority in a 2022 case. This conviction is now considered one of the most closely monitored police prosecutions in New York City in recent years.
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