Ex-NYPD sergeant out of prison as manslaughter charge is appealed
Erik Duran thanked his family, the Sergeants Benevolent Association and officers both in the NYPD and across the nation for their support.
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A former NYPD sergeant convicted of manslaughter was released from prison as he appeals the conviction.
Erik Duran thanked his family, the Sergeants Benevolent Association and officers both in the NYPD and across the nation for their support.
Duran was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Eric Duprey after a drug bust went wrong in August 2023, according to court documents.
He was sentenced on April 8 to three to nine years in prison after throwing a cooler at Duprey as he rode away on a scooter, leading to his death.
The Sergeants Benevolent Association relayed a message from Duran.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my family, particularly my wife, my children and my parents for all their unconditional love and support throughout this ordeal,” the message read.
The ex-officer was released after attorneys for the Sergeants Benevolent Association secured a $300,000 bail, allowing him to remain out of prison during the appeals process, which sources say could take up to nine months.
"I want to thank my union, the SBA, my brothers and sisters in the NYPD, and my brothers and sisters in blue around the nation," the statement continued.
"Erik Duran asked to go to church before he returned home to his overjoyed family. We are relieved that Erik is home with his family where he belongs," said Arthur L. Aidala, Duran's lawyer. "After reviewing the trial transcripts, it is clear to the objective eye this verdict and sentence are a clear miscarriage of justice. We have begun the process of preparing his appeal and are confident this injustice will be rectified."
Activists, including Black Lives Matter New York, condemned the decision to grant bail, calling it a failure of justice and the system prioritizing, "a killer with a badge" over community safety.
