The Liang defense sought to have all or part of the 6 count indictment against the officer dismissed. Liang is charged with one count of second-degree manslaughter, one count of criminally negligent homicide, one count of second-degree assault, one count of reckless endangerment and two counts of official misconduct.
"That's unbelievable," said Gurley's aunt Hertenceia Peterson. "A life was taken, an innocent life was taken. How dare you want the charges to be dropped? What if it was their loved one? Would they want charges to be dropped?!" The Akai Gurley family attorney, Scott Rynecki says there are two parts to the case. "There is the actual criminal prosecution of the police officer for the recklace shooting of Akai Gurley. Then there's the civil case which seeks damages for the wrongful the shooting and killing of Akai Gurley."
The Gurley family made it quite clear that they are only interested in peaceful protests and justice for Akai Gurley. The next hearing date for Peter Liang is set for June 23rd, Brooklyn Criminal Court.
