A Manhattan grand jury voted Tuesday to charge retired NYPD detective Victor Romero with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Koran Irvine on the George Washington Bridge, according to the district attorney's office. The upgrade, from first-degree manslaughter, follows a week of protests by Irvine's family, friends and union.

What do prosecutors say happened?

Irvine, 46, a Con Edison electrician and father of two, was driving home to Valley Cottage on the evening of Oct. 20 when he and Romero nearly collided while changing lanes onto the bridge's upper level, authorities said. Prosecutors say surveillance video shows Romero tailgating Irvine's Volkswagen Golf in a black company Range Rover, then pulling alongside and firing through the rear passenger window before heading onto the Palisades Interstate Parkway toward his Haverstraw home.

Romero, 62, was arrested after a manhunt of nearly 24 hours that shut down the bridge. He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.

Why did the charge change twice?

Romero was first arrested on a murder count, but at his arraignment last week he faced the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter. That decision drew letters and rallies from Irvine's coworkers and relatives, who questioned whether his background in law enforcement had worked in his favor.

  • Romero posted $1 million bail and has remained free.
  • About 100 Con Edison workers demonstrated outside the Lower Manhattan courthouse Tuesday.
  • Irvine's family attorney, Keith White, said he now wants the bail revoked.

"Koran's death must not go in vain," Irvine's aunt Gail Forde said at a rally, according to CBS New York.

What happens next?

Romero is due back in state Supreme Court on Nov. 23 for arraignment on the indictment. Whether prosecutors seek to have his bail revoked, and how the judge rules, will shape the case's next phase.

FAQ

Who was Koran Irvine?

Irvine was a 46-year-old Con Edison electrician and mechanic from Valley Cottage in Rockland County. He was off duty and driving home when he was shot.

Is Romero in custody?

No. He posted $1 million bail after his earlier arraignment and remains free pending the November court date.