Petition for Non-Incarceration of NYPD Officer Convicted of Manslaughter

Sgt. Erik Duran, a 38-year-old NYPD officer, faces sentencing this week after being convicted of manslaughter in the death of Eric Duprey, a 30-year-old man. The incident occurred on August 23, 2023, during an undercover drug operation in Kingsbridge Heights, Bronx, when Duran threw a cooler at Duprey, who was fleeing on a scooter. The cooler struck Duprey, causing him to crash into a tree and subsequently hit his head on the pavement, leading to his death.

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In response to Duran's conviction, over 11,000 law enforcement officers, including approximately 7,000 from the NYPD, have signed a petition urging the judge to impose a non-incarceration sentence. The petition, initiated by the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association, argues that Duran's actions were a split-second decision made in a high-pressure situation. Vincent Vallelong, the association's president, emphasized that Duran is a dedicated officer who has removed over 50 illegal firearms from the streets and described him as "the all-American kid who joined law enforcement to serve his community."

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Duran was found guilty by Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell following a non-jury trial in February 2026. He is facing a potential prison sentence of 5 to 15 years. The prosecution argued that Duran's decision to throw the cooler demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life, while Duran contended that he believed Duprey posed a threat to his fellow officers. Duran's defense maintains that he acted in self-defense and to protect others during the chaotic situation.

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The Duprey family, represented by attorney Jonathan Roberts, has expressed their desire for accountability, stating that the sentence should reflect the seriousness of the crime. Roberts criticized the notion of leniency for Duran, arguing that the conviction validates the family's belief that Duran's actions were unjustified. He stated, "The justice system is supposed to protect all New Yorkers. It should treat the loss of Eric’s life with the seriousness that it deserves."

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The case has sparked a debate about the accountability of law enforcement officers and the implications of their decisions during high-stress situations. Critics of the petition argue that leniency for Duran could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the seriousness of police conduct in similar circumstances.

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• “He’s the all-American kid who joined law enforcement to serve his community,” — Vincent Vallelong, President of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association

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• “The Duprey family has waited a long time for accountability,” attorney Jonathan Roberts, who is representing Duprey’s family, said in a statement to the Daily News, adding: “The family asks only that the sentence reflect the gravity of what was done.” — Jonathan Roberts, Attorney for Eric Duprey's family

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• “Stripping him of his freedom will send a message to every single police officer throughout the country,” — Vincent Vallelong

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As the sentencing date approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for both Duran and the broader law enforcement community.

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