A suspect was arraigned Tuesday in a murder that shocked the city — the shooting death of a police officer in East Harlem five weeks ago — NY1's Dean Meminger reports from inside the courtroom.
Wearing an orange jail outfit, Tyrone Howard pleaded not guilty to charges he murdered Detective Randolph Holder.
Dozens of NYPD officers were in the courtroom for the arraignment showing support for their fallen brother in blue and his family.
"You can imagine how emotional it is to be here," said Pat Lynch, president of the Patrolman's Benevolent Association. "With the courage this family shows, to sit behind the mope that killed their son."
Police and prosecutors say Holder and his partner Omar Wallace were among numerous cops responding to a shootout in East Harlem on October 20. When the partners approached Howard, They say he immediately shot detective Holder.
"While we have packs of criminals and miscreants out on the streets that try to set up on the ordinary citizens we have police officers like holder and Wallace that go out each and every day and literally are willing to give their lives," Lynch said.
There was a lot of debate after the officer was killed about why a judge allowed Howard to enter a drug treatment program instead of prison after he was charged in several drug-sale cases.
Early this month the judge who accepted the plea bargain sentenced Howard to 12 years in prison for not attending that drug treatment program.
His defense lawyer says despite all of the publicity, he's expecting a fair trial in this murder case.
"All matters relevant to the indictment will be in the courtroom, where it should be, where jury will consider and reach a verdict," said defense attorney Michael Hurwitz.
The Manhattan District Attorney says the prosecution of Howard will not bring Detective Holder back, but he hopes it gives some comfort to the cop's family and the NYPD. The union says it wants Howard to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
"We will be back here each and every time this mutt shows up in court," Lynch said.
The alleged cop killer is expected to be back in court on February 1.