The rookie NYPD officer who shot and killed 28-year-old Akai Gurley in the stairwell of his East New York residence has been indicted, according to NY1.
The Daily News also reported the indictment, though neither report specifies the charges the Daily News is now reporting that the charge is manslaughter.
A spokeswoman for the Kings County District Attorney's office told us she was precluded by law from confirming the indictment and declined to comment further.
Gurley was killed in the stairwell of the Pink Houses shortly after 11 p.m. on November 20. NYPD Officer Peter Liang and his partner were on a vertical patrol (reportedly against their commander's wishes) when, according to police, Liang opened a door with the same hand he was holding his service weapon in and accidentally discharged the gun. Other reports have stated that Liang and his partner texted their union representative before using their radios to call for help.
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton referred to Gurley as "a total innocent."
Gurley's girlfriend, who was with him when he was killed, said the couple took the stairwell because the elevators were frequently broken; the light in the stairwell had also burned out, forcing the two officers to use their flashlights.
“Like many New Yorkers, I was troubled by the death of Akai Gurley. As the legal process plays out, I urge New Yorkers to continue to come together as we work to move our City forward on police-community relations," City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said in a statement. "I commend Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson for his diligence and applaud his handling of this sensitive case.”
Thompson is scheduled to give a press conference tomorrow afternoon to discuss the indictment.
Mayor de Blasio also released this statement:
It has been reported that a Brooklyn grand jury has acted in this case. No matter the specific charges, this case is an unspeakable tragedy for the Gurley family. We urge everyone to respect the judicial process as it unfolds.
