Accused officer testifies in manslaughter trial

Former Officer Rafael Lora took the stand Wednesday in his own manslaughter trial. Lora faces first-degree manslaughter charges for allegedly shooting and killing Fermin Arzu in May 2007. According to

News 12 Staff

Mar 12, 2009, 1:54 AM

Updated 5,616 days ago

Share:

Former Officer Rafael Lora took the stand Wednesday in his own manslaughter trial.
Lora faces first-degree manslaughter charges for allegedly shooting and killing Fermin Arzu in May 2007. According to Lora, Arzu was drunk when he crashed his vehicle into a parked car outside Lora's home. Lora claims he went outside to investigate when Arzu began driving away, dragging Lora with the door of his van. Lora says he fired his gun in self-defense.
In his testimony, Lora said Arzu started a fight with him when he came out of his house. Lora claims Arzu threw something at his face, chipping his front tooth, though the prosecution says there is no documentation of that incident on the EMT medical reports from that night.
The Bronx district attorney argued Arzu was not fit to cause physical harm to Lora the night of the incident. Lora claims he sustained serious injuries when Arzu shut the car door and dragged him.
Lora was the last witness to testify in the case. Closing arguments will be presented Thursday.
Forensic experts take stand in manslaughter trial EMT takes stand in cop's manslaughter trialWitnesses:Cop accused in death tried to aid victimWitnessestestify in Fermin Arzu caseFormertraffic cop on trial in driver shooting


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American