Ex-NYPD Detective Pleads Not Guilty in GWB Shooting Death

A retired New York police detective accused in the George Washington Bridge shooting pleaded not guilty on Thursday (Oct 22) to a first-degree manslaughter charge, after initially being arrested on suspicion of murder, ABC News reported.

Victor Romero, 62, who retired from the NYPD in 2001, was ordered held on US$1 million bail. He is accused of killing Koran Irvine, 46, an off-duty Con Edison worker and father of two.

Romero was first arrested on a murder charge after he surrendered at the NYPD’s 33rd Precinct in upper Manhattan. When he appeared in court for arraignment, however, the most serious count he faced was first-degree manslaughter, a change that has angered the victim’s family.

What Police Say Happened on the Bridge

According to a police affidavit cited by ABC News, Irvine’s car swerved and nearly struck a black Range Rover driven by Romero on the bridge’s westbound deck during the evening rush hour earlier this week. The Range Rover then followed Irvine’s car closely, and a shot hit him in the back of the right shoulder.

Irvine’s car veered across four lanes and crashed into a median, where he died. After he surrendered, Romero reportedly told police the Range Rover was his, although it is registered to a company he drives for, and handed over a loaded revolver he said he always carries.

George Washington Bridge Shooting Family Angered by Charge

Irvine’s relatives said they were upset that Romero was not charged with murder. His sister, Zeria Irvine, said: “I was fuming.” An aunt, Gale Forde, questioned why the case was being treated as manslaughter rather than murder.

Keith White, a lawyer for the family, said relatives had not been allowed to see the surveillance video described in the affidavit. Con Edison confirmed Irvine was off duty at the time of the shooting.

What Happens Next

Romero remains in custody unless he posts bail. No date for his next court appearance was reported, and the family is pressing for access to the video evidence. Romero is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Retired NYPD Detective Charged in George Washington Bridge Killing