A former member of the New York Police Department has been sentenced in connection with a fatal incident that occurred during a narcotics enforcement operation in the Bronx.
Erik Duran, a former sergeant, was sentenced Thursday to a term of three to nine years in prison after being convicted of manslaughter in the 2023 death of Eric Duprey.
Timeline of Events
According to prosecutors and trial testimony, the incident occurred on August 23, 2023, during a “buy-and-bust” operation conducted by a narcotics unit.
- Duprey allegedly sold narcotics to an undercover officer, according to police accounts.
- He then attempted to flee the scene on a motorized scooter.
- Surveillance footage showed Duprey traveling on a sidewalk toward a group of individuals.
- Duran, who was not in uniform, picked up a nearby cooler belonging to a bystander and threw it.
- The cooler, containing ice, water, and beverages, struck Duprey.
- Duprey lost control of the scooter, collided with a tree, and fell to the pavement.
Prosecutors stated that Duprey, 30, was not wearing a helmet and suffered fatal head injuries, dying shortly after the crash.
Court Findings and Sentencing
The case was prosecuted by the office of Letitia James.
Prosecutors argued that Duran acted recklessly and caused Duprey’s death by throwing the cooler. They also alleged that Duran attempted to conceal his actions following the incident.
During sentencing, Judge Guy Mitchell rejected Duran’s justification that his actions were necessary to protect others.
- The court found that Duran reacted out of frustration as Duprey was fleeing.
- The judge concluded the use of force was not justified under the circumstances.
Duran elected to have a bench trial, meaning the verdict was rendered by a judge rather than a jury.
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Statements from the Defendant
During sentencing, Duran addressed the court and Duprey’s family.
- He stated he took the job “to save lives.”
- He said he felt remorse after witnessing the crash.
- He stated he attempted to provide aid following the incident.
Duran previously testified that he made a split-second decision to prevent the scooter from striking officers and others nearby.
Statements from the Family
Duprey’s mother, Gretchen Soto, addressed the court prior to sentencing.
- She stated there were no words to express her loss.
- She described the incident as unjust.
- She indicated she had been on a video call with her son shortly before his death.
Soto has publicly disputed police claims that her son was involved in narcotics activity and fleeing officers.
Public and Institutional Response
The case has drawn attention from both law enforcement personnel and community advocates.
- The Sergeants Benevolent Association reported that thousands of officers signed a petition advocating against incarceration for Duran.
- Officers attended the sentencing at the Bronx courthouse.
- Protesters gathered outside demanding accountability in Duprey’s death.
The union’s president, Vincent Vallelong, previously stated the conviction raised concerns among officers regarding the risks associated with on-duty decision-making.
Officer Background and Employment Status
Duran had served approximately 13 years with the NYPD prior to the incident.
- He was suspended following the August 2023 incident.
- He was formally dismissed from the department after his conviction in February.
Victim Background
Eric Duprey was a delivery driver and father of three young children.
- He was 30 years old at the time of his death.
- Family members have contested aspects of the police narrative regarding the incident.
Current Status
- Erik Duran has been sentenced to three to nine years in prison.
- He has been convicted of manslaughter following a bench trial.
- He is no longer employed by the New York Police Department.
- No additional charges or proceedings were reported at the time of sentencing.
FAQ
What was Erik Duran convicted of?
He was convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of Eric Duprey.
What caused Eric Duprey’s death?
According to prosecutors, Duprey died from head injuries sustained after losing control of his scooter when struck by a thrown cooler.
Was the officer in uniform at the time?
No, Duran was not in uniform during the incident.
Why did Duran say he threw the cooler?
He testified that he made a split-second decision to prevent the scooter from striking officers and others nearby.
Did the court accept that justification?
No. The judge determined the actions were not justified and constituted reckless conduct.
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