Police sergeant convicted of manslaughter in cooler-throwing death

NEW YORK − A New York judge convicted a police sergeant of second-degree manslaughter for throwing a cooler at a man’s head during a fatal 2023 chase.

Bronx County Judge Guy Mitchell rendered his Feb. 6 verdict against New York City Police Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, for causing the death of 30-year-old Eric Duprey, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, which investigates police killings. Duprey, a delivery driver, had three children.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Eric Duprey,” James, whose office prosecuted the case in Bronx Criminal Court, said in a statement. “Though it cannot return Eric to his loved ones, today’s decision gives justice to his memory.”