April 2008
Justice Arthur Cooperman acquitted Detectives Gescard Isnora, Michael Oliver, and Marc Cooper of all charges — manslaughter, assault, and reckless endangerment — in the 50-shot killing of Sean Bell. The verdict drew massive protests. The DOJ subsequently declined to bring federal charges. The city later settled a civil suit with Bell's family for $3.25 million.
After Judge Cooperman acquitted all three NYPD detectives in the Sean Bell shooting, thousands marched across New York City, blocking traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge and in Times Square. Al Sharpton and Bell's fiancée Nicole Paultre Bell led demonstrations. The DOJ opened a civil rights investigation; no federal charges were ultimately filed. The city settled a civil suit for $3.25 million in 2010.
Events
- April 25, 2008Three NYPD Officers Acquitted in Sean Bell Shooting
Justice Arthur Cooperman acquitted Detectives Gescard Isnora, Michael Oliver, and Marc Cooper of all charges — manslaughter, assault, and reckless endangerment — in the 50-shot killing of Sean Bell. The verdict drew massive protests. The DOJ subsequently declined to bring federal charges. The city later settled a civil suit with Bell's family for $3.25 million.
- April 25, 2008Sean Bell Acquittals Spark Protests Across New York City
After Judge Cooperman acquitted all three NYPD detectives in the Sean Bell shooting, thousands marched across New York City, blocking traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge and in Times Square. Al Sharpton and Bell's fiancée Nicole Paultre Bell led demonstrations. The DOJ opened a civil rights investigation; no federal charges were ultimately filed. The city settled a civil suit for $3.25 million in 2010.