Police shooting death ruled a homicide

The police shooting death of a Brooklyn man last week has been ruled a homicide.  According to authorities, 28-year-old Akai Gurley was shot and killed by rookie Officer Peter Liang inside the Pink

News 12 Staff

Nov 25, 2014, 5:15 AM

Updated 3,627 days ago

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The police shooting death of a Brooklyn man last week has been ruled a homicide. 
According to authorities, 28-year-old Akai Gurley was shot and killed by rookie Officer Peter Liang inside the Pink Houses in East New York. 
They say Liang, who was on patrol at the NYCHA complex with another new officer, accidentally shot Gurley when Gurley entered a dimly lit stairwell with a woman who has been identified as Melissa Butler. 
Butler appeared in public for the first time Monday, with her attorney and Assemblyman-elect Charles Barron after meeting with Kings County District Attorney Ken Thompson. Barron said he is demanding the officer's indictment and the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton. 
Other local elected officials are advocating for a new 24-hour policy to repair lighting in NYCHA properties, and a change in policy to require rookie cops to be partnered with seasoned officers. 
The homicide ruling from the medical examiner's office means that it was the result of the actions of another person. It does not imply anything about intent, and it is up to the district attorney to decide if any charges will be filed. 
Bratton says that Liang has been placed on modified duty, and his gun and badge have been removed.