Grand jury indicts former NYPD detective on second-degree murder charges in road rage shooting
Charge, upgraded from manslaughter, follows extensive ongoing investigation
NEW YORK -- A grand jury in Lower Manhattan has indicted former New York police detective Victor Romero on second-degree murder charges on Tuesday afternoon.
The charge, upgraded from manslaughter, follows an extensive ongoing investigation.
It comes as Romero was seen publicly for the first time Tuesday as he walked into a Lower Manhattan courtroom in the case stemming from the fatal shooting of Koran Irvine on the George Washington Bridge. Romero later left the courthouse following a brief appearance.
The court appearance came as prosecutors continue pursuing the case against Romero, who was initially charged with murder but was arraigned last week on a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter. Romero posted $1 million bail and has remained free pending the case.
Romero did not respond to repeated questions from reporters as he entered the courthouse and courtroom. Inside, he sat on the left side of the courtroom awaiting the proceedings before leaving a short time later.
Prosecutors allege the confrontation that led to Irvine's death began at about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday when Romero and the 46-year-old were changing lanes at the same time while entering the upper level of the George Washington Bridge, nearly colliding. Prosecutors say surveillance video shows Romero aggressively tailgating Irvine in a black company Range Rover before pulling alongside Irvine's Volkswagen Golf, firing through the rear passenger window and then driving onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway toward his home in Haverstraw, New York.
Irvine, a veteran Con Edison electrician and mechanic, was on his way home from work when the shooting occurred. He later died from his injuries.
Outside the courthouse Tuesday, supporters of the Irvine family, including approximately 100 Con Edison workers, gathered as the case moved forward.
Some protesters shouted, "Murderer! Murderer!" as Romero entered and exited the courthouse.
Among those attending was shop steward Chris Demmerle, who said he had difficulty recognizing Romero in court.
"I saw him in the courtroom and barely even knew it was him. But, it's a horrible feeling. You know, his family is out there; their faces are out there. I've seen the kids' faces all over the place. They deserve privacy, not this guy."
Friends and colleagues of Irvine said they were seeking answers and justice.
"He was great man, great coworker. One of the best people that we know. We're out here to support him and hope that this goes the way that it should and not where this guy gets off with a slap on the wrist."
Patricia Irvine, the victim's wife, said the surveillance video evidence leaves little doubt about what happened.
"I mean, it's not even like fuzzy, it is super clear. It was murder, and that's it, you know?" she said.
The case has also sparked criticism over what some perceive as preferential treatment for Romero, a former NYPD detective. Speaking exclusively to ABC New York affiliate WABC on Monday, Patricia Irvine questioned how Romero was granted bail.
"How did he even get to post bail? Well, it was murder, right? And then it's manslaughter. And they still gave him bail, even though they requested not to. You already see the preferential treatment," she said.
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
