Retired NYPD Detective Charged with Manslaughter in George Washington Bridge Road-Rage Killing

Victor Romero, a retired New York City police detective who left the force in 2001, was arraigned Thursday on a charge of first-degree manslaughter in the road-rage killing of Koran Irvine, 46, on the upper level of the George Washington Bridge on Tuesday evening, October 21. According to prosecutors, the two vehicles nearly collided while changing lanes; Romero then aggressively tailgated Irvine's car and fired a single shot through its rear window before fleeing. Irvine was struck and later died. He is survived by his wife, a 14-year-old daughter, and an 11-year-old son. Romero was arrested Wednesday and arraigned Thursday on a manslaughter rather than a murder charge, drawing outrage from Irvine's family. His sister said an intentional shot by a retired police officer should constitute murder. The Manhattan District Attorney's office said the investigation remains ongoing, leaving open the possibility that charges could be upgraded.