By Sadef Ali Kully
The alleged shooter of NYPD Detective Brian Moore was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of stolen goods after a grand jury indictment and arraignment was announced Thursday by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
According to the indictment, Demetrius Blackwell allegedly shot and killed Moore during a routine stop May 2. Court records indicated that Moore had suspected Blackwell of carrying a weapon in Queens Village.
Blackwell fled the scene and a couple of hours later was found by police. The gun alledgedly used during the incident was found a couple of days later in a neighbor’s backyard.
Moore died May 4 at Jamaica Medical Hospital.
Moore’s parents, retired NYPD Sgt. Raymond Moore and Irene Moore, and his extended NYPD family, including police union leader Pat Lynch, showed their support in the hundreds during Blackwell’s arraignment Thursday.
Blackwell pleaded not guilty to all charges in Queens Supreme Criminal Court.
David Bart, Blackwell’s attorney, said he would be arguing that Blackwell suffers from a mental disease.
Bart also requested that the Department of Corrections identify Blackwell as a person with medical needs.
Blackwell’s wife, aunt, younger brother Dwayne Cross and uncle Jamie Taylor were also in court. After the arraignment, Cross said that his brother suffered from epilepsy and had brain surgery which has affected his behavior.
If convicted Blackwell could face a life sentence in prison. His next court date is scheduled in September.
