NEW YORK — A man convicted of fatally shooting a New York City police officer in 2015 was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Demetrius Blackwell was convicted last month of first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Detective Brian Moore.
“You’re a cold, calculating killer,” Judge Gregory Lasak said before handing down the sentence. “You realize what you did. You killed a man for no reason.”
The 25-year-old officer and his partner were in street clothes in an unmarked car when they tried to stop Blackwell, who was suspected of carrying a gun. The 37-year-old Queens resident opened fire, striking Moore in the head.
Moore died two days later.
The defence argued that Blackwell has severe mental health issues and was not in control of his actions.
Uniformed police officers and plainclothes detectives filled the courtroom during the sentencing.
“We’re paid to do this job,” Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch said after the verdict. “Our families are not. Their courage is overwhelming and gives us all the strength we need to do this difficult job.”