Charges were filed Wednesday against a Bronx police sergeant accused of fatally shooting a woman with schizophrenia last year.
NYPD Sgt. Hugh Barry turned himself in to face second-degree murder and other charges in the shooting death of 66-year-old Deborah Danner. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Oct. 18, police responded to a 911 call of an emotionally disturbed person at Pugsley Avenue apartment. According to court records, Danner was holding a pair of scissors and later a baseball bat, threatening Barry. The 8-year NYPD veteran then twice shot Danner, killing her.
A grand jury concluded that Barry did not efficiently attempt other, potentially nonlethal tactics before using deadly force.
The shooting caused many community members and leaders to question the NYPD's training for mentally ill cases, with many taking to the streets to protest. Even the police commissioner and mayor said Barry failed to follow police protocols in handling people with mental illnesses.
Barry was suspended during the Bronx district attorney's investigation.
Read the DA's press release:
The Sergeants Benevolent Association released a statement calling Barry's indictment a disgrace and saying that Barry did everything right to de-escalate the situation.
Barry was released after posting $100,000 bail.
The Danner family asked for privacy in the matter.