Dozens of NYPD officers attend trial of alleged cop-killer
USA - A courtroom in Queens transformed into a sea of blue Friday as the trial for accused cop killer Demetrius Blackwell got underway. At least three dozen NYPD officers crowded the gallery in Queens Supreme Court — which was standing-room only with even more cops packed outside the courtroom — to hear prosecutors detail how Blackwell gunned down Officer Brian Moore and nearly killed his partner Eric Jensen.
“When most people were making plans for the evening, Brian Moore was getting ready for work”, Assistant District Attorney Daniel Saunders said during opening statements. “He then got into his car and drove, never to return again.”
Moore, 25, and Jensen were on patrol in Queens Village May 2, 2015 when they spotted Blackwell adjusting his waistband”, Saunders said. The pair pulled up behind Blackwell, knowing he had a lengthy criminal record, and asked, “You got something?” “Yeah, I got something,” Blackwell snarled, before allegedly pulling out a gun and firing “not once, but twice”, Saunders said.
One bullet pierced through Moore’s head, while the second hit the edge of the patrol car door and fragmented, striking Moore in the face. Blackwell, 37, allegedly squeezed off a third shot at Jensen, who took cover. Moore, a five-year NYPD veteran who grew up in a police family, was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery. He died two days later.
Jensen wasn’t injured. Saunders said residents of the quiet neighborhood witnessed the shooting and saw Blackwell bolt from the scene and change clothes at a nearby home.
Blackwell’s DNA was also found on the weapon, a fiveshot silver revolver, the prosecutor added.
Blackwell’s lawyer David Bart hinted to jurors that his client suffers from mental health issues – an argument he’s made before during pretrial hearings.
Bart told jurors Blackwell suffers from epilepsy, “a severe case that is resistant to treatment” and also had brain surgery two years prior to the shooting which affects his memory and “ability to act under certain circumstances.” “Yes, it was a bad, bad thing that happened but you cannot hold and should not hold Mr. Blackwell responsible”, Bart said.
Moore’s mother was in the courtroom — her slain son’s badge around her neck — as she listened to the opening arguments.
Testimony will begin Monday.
(nypost)