The family of Koran Irvine, a Con Edison worker fatally shot on the George Washington Bridge, is calling for the alleged killer, former NYPD detective Victor Romero, to have his bail revoked. Romero, 62, was initially charged with manslaughter but a grand jury has since indicted him on a second-degree murder charge.
Romero, who posted $1 million bail after his initial arrest, now faces a potential life sentence if convicted of murder. Irvine's family, through their attorney Keith White, expressed satisfaction with the upgraded charge but stressed the need for bail revocation. "They’re happy the charge is now an appropriate charge but now bail needs to be revoked, which is appropriate for a second-degree murder charge," White stated.
Prosecutors had previously requested Romero's passport during his arraignment on the manslaughter charge, but the judge set bail at $1 million, allowing him to retain it. The family believes Romero, a father of four, poses a flight risk. "Now, we expect and we’ll push for him to be remanded," White added.
However, legal experts suggest that Romero's bail is unlikely to be revoked. Defense attorneys argue that the facts of the case have not changed since the initial bail was set. "The argument that (his) defense attorney would make is, what fact has changed," said Wayne Gosnell, a defense attorney. "The fact of the matter is it’s a circumstantial case that deals with his intent. That’s always been the case… That hasn’t changed."
Gosnell, who previously argued for bail for another defendant, suggested that it is more probable for bail conditions to be modified rather than revoked entirely. Such modifications could include house arrest, home confinement, or GPS monitoring.
Manhattan prosecutors allege that the incident began when Romero and Irvine nearly collided during a lane change on the bridge. Surveillance video reportedly shows Romero aggressively tailgating Irvine's vehicle before pulling alongside and firing a shot through the passenger window, striking Irvine. Romero, who was driving a company-owned Range Rover, then drove away.
Romero's defense attorney had previously highlighted his client's service as a "hero police officer" with a "sterling record" when requesting a lower bail amount. Another defense attorney, Thomas Kenniff, noted that while the murder charge is serious, the substantial $1 million bail already set is likely to remain sufficient to ensure Romero's appearance in court.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined to comment. Romero faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of murder and is scheduled to be arraigned on the murder charge on November 23rd.