Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Reports: Grand Jury Indicts Cop For Manslaughter In Killing Of Unarmed Brooklyn Man
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 10, 2015
Modified Feb 10, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 10, 2015
Modified Feb 10, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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.
Tagged
Akai Gurley
brooklyn da
grand jury
nypd
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .