Editor’s Note: The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our print edition dated Jan. 22.

Six days before NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran of the NYPD narcotics unit was to go on trial for the 2023 manslaughter of 30-year-old Bronxite, Eric Duprey, members of Black Lives Matter (BLM) stood outside the Bronx Criminal Courthouse vowing to attend every day of the trial, together with Duprey’s family. Meanwhile, members of the NYPD who had attended prior pre-trial court proceedings relating to the case were expected to show up once again in support of Duran. Duprey died amid a police sting operation in the Fordham Manor section of The Bronx.

 

According to the NYPD and prosecutors with the Office of the New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James, who as reported, opened an investigation into the case in September 2023, and is the office prosecuting the case, on Aug. 23, 2023, Duran was working undercover as part of an NYPD buy-and-bust [sting] drug operation at 2505 Aqueduct Avenue in Fordham Manor, and as Duprey was trying to escape the sting on a scooter, the sergeant threw a picnic cooler at him, knocking him to the ground. He incurred head and other injuries and died.

 

In January 2024, as reported, James announced manslaughter charges were being brought against Duran in the context of the fatal water cooler throw.

 

A video, released in September 2023 by the AG’s office, as reported, shows Duprey falling from his vehicle after he was struck with the cooler and crashing onto the street. In a statement following Duprey’s death, the NYPD said, in part, “The NYPD is committed to ensuring there will be a full, thorough, and transparent investigation of this incident to determine the facts and to take the appropriate steps forward.”

 

On Jan. 23, 2024, James charged Duran with second degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and assault. Duran requested a bench trial, as is his legal right, meaning a judge, rather than a jury, decides the case.

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Hawk Newsome and his sister, Chivona Newsome, co-founders of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York, and a handful of BLM supporters gathered at the courthouse on East 161st Street close to Morris Avenue, co-named Black Lives Matter Boulevard, and urged Duran to plead guilty to avoid a painful trial for Duprey’s family. As reported, protestors had previously demonstrated outside the 52nd Precinct in The Bronx in September 2023, though Duran is, as above, was stationed with the Bronx narcotics unit.

 

At the press conference, Hawk Newsome spoke through a bullhorn to three members of the press, his supporters, and passersby, as half a dozen court officers stood at the courthouse entrance. After asking Duran to plead guilty to manslaughter, he said, “One thing you never see a police officer do, no matter who they killed or who they hurt, they never plead guilty.”

 

He continued, “And what you’re going to see next week is hundreds of cops who are coming out to support a man who has been indicted for manslaughter. It’s unconscionable that he (Duran) would have the support of the NYPD unions, and that he would put this family through that. He knew what he did was wrong.”

 

Chivona Newsome, who, as reported, ran in the 2020 Democratic primary for New York’s 15th congressional district seat, a seat ultimately won by Democrat, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), then said of Duran, “If he had any dignity in the oath that he took to protect and serve the people of New York, he would plead guilty.” She added in part, “Officers are allowed to murder us and harm us with impunity as we’ve seen time and time again. Officers walk away with a slap on the wrist.”

She continued, “As we see from ICE agents and we’re seeing across this nation, the NYPD cannot operate with impunity.” She concluded, “We need this win. New York City, the United States needs to see that when an officer kills an unarmed man, they are prosecuted like you and I.”

 

Hawk Newsome, who, as reported, was arrested in midtown Manhattan in September 2023 for protesting Duprey’s death without a permit, once again took the bullhorn for his closing remarks. His group was joined by a half dozen members of a second group who were protesting outside the Family Court building in relation to another case. “The defense is going to come in here next week and make it seem like he (Duprey) was some kind of super-criminal,” he said. “What kind of super criminal delivers Uber Eats at night?”

 

Meanwhile, Newsome alleged Duran had seven allegations of police brutality and 17 misconduct allegations lodged against him, as well as two lawsuits and $20,000 in settlements paid out. However, according to the NYPD’s online police database, Duran had just one allegation filed against him on July 21, 2023, where no charges were subsequently brought. Norwood News asked BLM for the source of the other allegations and will share any updates we receive.

 

Records show Duran received multiple awards from the police department and logged 39 felony arrests and 155 misdemeanor arrests since joining the department in 2010.

 

The trial began Wednesday, Jan. 14, when another press conference was held by BLM, advocates, and attorneys representing the family. Duprey’s mother spoke briefly and called for justice for her son. The trial was expected to last two to three weeks. Asked by one reporter if she had any comment on the fact that her son died while allegedly engaging in illegal drug activity, she declined to comment.

 

Norwood News reached out to both the NYPD Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association and the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association for comment on the case, but neither union responded.  We also reached out to the NYPD to ask about Duran’s current employment status. A spokesperson confirmed he was currently suspended with pay. More to follow.

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.