(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-04-26 20:02

Protesters march along Sutphin Blvd after the three detectives in the shooting death of Sean Bell were found not guilty in New York City, April 25, 2008. [Agencies]

"It shows that there is no justice in America for the black man," said B.M. Marcus, a community organizer. "This is telling us the cops can do whatever they want and get away with it."

Gescard Isnora, a black Hispanic undercover officer who fired first, said he followed Bell and his friends to Bell's car believing they were getting a gun to settle a dispute at the club. Isnora said he opened fire after being grazed by Bell's car as the men tried to drive away.

The other officers -- one black and one white -- arrived after the initial confrontation and said they believed Isnora was being fired at from inside the car.

Apology

The officers gave brief statements thanking their friends and families.

"I'd like to say sorry to the Bell family for the tragedy," said Marc Cooper, who was charged with reckless endangerment.

Isnora and Mike Oliver were charged with manslaughter.

The three waived their right to a jury trial in favor of a judge. Defense lawyers said jurors in Queens were likely to be biased against the officers due to intense media coverage of the case.

State Supreme Court Judge Arthur Cooperman suggested the officers acted poorly but said their actions were less than criminal.

"Questions of carelessness and incompetence must be left to other forums," he said.

The judge said some prosecution witnesses contradicted themselves from prior statements and may have had motivation to lie. Bell's fiancee and the two survivors of the shooting have sued the city in a civil case.

 

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