Overview
- Testimony said the cooler was full of juice and ice for children, appeared heavy, and that the officer looked angry and called the throw an accident.
- Prosecutors argue Sgt. Erik Duran recklessly used unlawful force by hurling the cooler at Eric Duprey, who crashed and died from blunt-force head injuries.
- The defense says Duran had about 2.5 seconds to stop a scooter speeding toward people and acted to protect officers and bystanders.
- The bench trial before Judge Guy Mitchell is prosecuted by the New York State Attorney General’s office, and Duran has pleaded not guilty.
- If convicted of manslaughter, Duran faces up to 25 years in prison, as protests outside the courthouse and Duprey’s family presence underscore public scrutiny.