Lamont Pride found guilty of second-degree murder in death of NYPD officer Peter Figoski
Lamont Pride, center, at his arraignment Dec. 13, 2011 for the fatal shooting of NYPD officer Peter Figoski.
/ AP Photo/Jessie WardPride was acquitted of the most serious charge, alleging he intentionally killed the officer. He was also found guilty of burglary and second-degree aggravated manslaughter and could face at least 25 years to life in prison.
Prosecutors said Pride and four others plotted to rob a drug dealer who lived in a basement apartment in Brooklyn, but were interrupted by police.
As Pride tried to escape, he came face-to-face with Figoski, who was shot once in the head. Figoski died later at a hospital. Prosecutors said Figoski, who was undercover, never even drew his own weapon.
Pride was apprehended by Figoski's partner.
Pride's defense claimed the shooting was an accident.
Jurors were shown a videotape in which Pride claimed he was smoking marijuana in the apartment that was robbed and tried to hide behind a boiler. Pride said in the video that he was trying to escape when he was confronted by a hooded man with a gun - Figoski - and that during a struggle between the two the gun went off.
More than 15,000 mourners turned out at Figoski's funeral and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg promoted Figoski to detective posthumously.
Figoski is survived by daughters Christine, Caitlyn, Caroline and Corrine. More than $600,000 was raised for a scholarship fund to help pay for their education.
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