Former NYPD officer acquitted of murder in shooting of childhood friend on Long Island

Former NYPD Officer Acquitted of Murder in Shooting of Childhood Friend

A former New York City police officer, Errick Allen, 30, has been acquitted of murder in the shooting of his childhood friend, Christopher Curro, during a confrontation on Long Island. The incident occurred on May 12, 2020, in North Massapequa.

Conviction and Charges

Following a five-week trial, a jury convicted Allen only of menacing, as reported by Newsday. The New York state Attorney General Letitia James' office, which investigated the shooting due to it involving a police officer, stated that Allen shot Curro "execution style" in the head, neck, and arm after an exchange of angry text messages.

Self-Defense Claim

Defense attorney Anthony La Pinta argued that Curro had attacked Allen and attempted to grab his NYPD-issued gun, stating that the shooting was a "classic case of self-defense," as reported by Newsday.

Verdict and Sentence

The jury in Nassau County acquitted Allen of murder and manslaughter charges, but he was convicted of menacing. With a maximum prison sentence of one year for the menacing charge, Allen, who had been incarcerated since being indicted in August 2021, was scheduled to be released on Thursday evening.

Reactions

Curro’s mother expressed anger and shock at the verdict, stating that her son was unarmed during the confrontation and only used his words. Meanwhile, Allen’s stepfather, Kyle Savas, expressed hopes for healing and peace for the Curro family.

The attorney general's office declined to comment on the verdict.