Sean Bell cops’ defense motion denied

The prosecution of the three officers indicted in the fatal shooting of groom-to-be Sean Bell on his wedding day will proceed, a judge has ruled.
On Friday, September 7, State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman rejected a defense motion to dismiss charges against Detectives Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora and Mark Cooper.
Cooperman also denied Cooper a separate trial.
The three cops were indicted for allegedly firing a barrage of bullets at Bell and his two friends, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, as they left the Kalua Cabaret in Jamaica on November 25, 2006.
Bell was killed, while Guzman and Benefield were injured.
Cooper, who allegedly fired four rounds, faces charges of reckless endangerment; Isnora, who fired 11 times, and Oliver, who shot 31 times, are charged with manslaughter. All three have pleaded not guilty.
Their next court date is scheduled for November 14.