The NYPD commissioner overseeing the departmental trial of two officers involved in the fatal shooting of Sean Bell is expected to recommend the dismissal of the detective who fired the first shot, reports NY1's Ruschell Boone.
But the ultimate decision regarding Detective Gescard Isnora's fate rests in the hands of Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Boone reports. During a departmental trial, the detective was already found guilty of violating department rules iin the fatal shooting of Bell five years ago.
Sean Bell was killed and two of his friends were wounded when officers fired at the group as they were leaving Bell's bachelor party at the Kalua strip club. During the trial, Detective Isnora testified that he thought Bell's friend, who was in the passenger seat, was reaching for a weapon.
The NYPD trial determined Isnora acted recklessly when he fired the first shot at the car. Five officers fired 50 bullets.
“I disagree with the trial commissioner and his verdict and the recommendation. But you know, there’s a penalty phase, and I’m just going to reserve any further comment until that phase has been completed,” said Michael Palladino, president of the Detectives Endowment Association.
Isnora shot 11 times. Another officer, Michael Carey, opened fire after Isnora did, but he was acquitted of all charges in the NYPD trial.
The disciplinary proceeding follows a 2008 trial where Isnora and two other officers were acquitted of criminal charges. Carey was never charged criminally.
The trial commissioner is right. It's time for Isnora to go. End of story.
Read more at NY1.