Ex-NYPD Detective Charged in GWB Road Rage Killing Released on $1 Million Bail
Victor Romero, accused of fatally shooting a Con Ed worker, posted bail after his charges were reduced from murder to manslaughter.
Retired NYPD detective Victor Romero has been released on $1 million bail following his arrest in connection with a fatal road rage incident on the George Washington Bridge. Romero, 62, posted the bail on Friday, three days after he allegedly shot and killed Koran Irvine, a 46-year-old Con Ed worker and father of two.
Romero was initially charged with murder, but his charges were later downgraded to manslaughter, a decision that has drawn criticism from Irvine's family and their attorney. "I think if he was charged with murder, he should have been remanded without bail," said Irvine family attorney Keith White. "In most serious cases involving suspects that should be charged with murder, people are remanded. But also, I have cases where people aren’t charged with murder, they’re charged with lesser crimes, and they are remanded as a flight risk."
The incident occurred when Romero and Irvine, both Rockland County residents, were involved in a lane change maneuver on the bridge ramp. According to sources, Romero then allegedly followed Irvine's sedan, pulled up alongside his vehicle, and fired a single shot, striking Irvine in the shoulder before fleeing the scene. Prosecutors had described the shooting as "particularly senseless."
Romero was arrested the day after the shooting. His arraignment saw the murder charges reduced without explanation. Outside Manhattan Criminal Court, family and friends of Irvine expressed dismay at Romero's release on bail, with the family's attorney questioning the decision. "So somebody who chases down and kills somebody in a car, and then flees the scene, doesn’t call 911 isn’t deemed a flight risk?" White asked.
Irvine's loved ones are reportedly struggling with the news of Romero's release as they make funeral arrangements. Romero, who left the NYPD in 2001, had been working as a driver for the CEO of QVT Financial, a biotech and energy investment firm. He was reportedly using the company's Range Rover SUV at the time of the fatal altercation.
Romero is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday.