NYPD Officer Convicted of Manslaughter in Shooting Death of Akai Gurley

The New York police officer who fatally shot Akai Gurley in a stairwell back in 2014 has been officially found guilty of manslaughter.

In late 2014, Officer Peter Liang had his weapon and flashlight out as he walked up the unlit staircase. Gurley walked in as he was patrolling, Liang shot him (though the NYPD said it was an accident), and a grand jury was convened.

Liang was indicted a few months ago, and according to NBC News, he was found guilty today of second-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors said he was reckless in discharging his weapon and failed to give proper assistance to Gurley as he was dying.

Liang had said he did not personally try to revive Gurley because he wanted to wait for medical professionals to arrive.

Liang could potentially get up to 15 years in prison.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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