New York secured a manslaughter conviction against an NYPD sergeant after a fatal encounter in the Bronx that killed a 30-year-old man riding a motorized scooter.
A judge found NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, guilty of second-degree manslaughter for throwing a cooler at Eric Duprey as Duprey rode past, causing injuries that led to his death on Aug. 23, 2023.
The conviction followed a bench trial before Judge Guy Mitchell in Bronx Supreme Court. Duran, a member of the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Bronx Tactical Response Unit at the time, will return to court for sentencing on March 19.
Second-degree manslaughter carries a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years. Judge Mitchell set bail at a $300,000 bond or a $500,000 partially secured bond, with a $300,000 cash alternative.
Attorney General Letitia James said the decision brings accountability in a case investigated by her office. “Though it cannot return Eric to his loved ones, today’s decision gives justice to his memory,” James said.
The case fell under New York law requiring the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation to review any incident in which a police or peace officer may have caused a death. After assessing the incident, investigators conducted a full criminal investigation that led to prosecution.
Prosecutors said the investigation showed Duran forcefully threw the cooler at Duprey while he was operating the scooter, causing the fatal injuries.
The Office of Special Investigation handled the case with support from investigators, analysts, and prosecutors within the Attorney General’s office.
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