NEW YORK CITY, October 27, 2026 — Retired New York Police Department detective Victor Romero appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday morning in connection with the fatal shooting of a Con Edison employee on the George Washington Bridge last week.
Romero, 62, left the courthouse following a brief hearing, while union members gathered inside and outside the building to demand justice for 46-year-old Koran Irvine, who was killed on October 20 during an apparent road-rage incident.
Video footage published Tuesday by independent journalist Oliya Scootercaster, filmed by Jonathan Fernandes of Freedom News TV, showed Romero leaving the courthouse following the hearing.
Charges Reduced From Murder to Manslaughter
Romero was initially arrested on a murder charge following the shooting. However, prosecutors subsequently reduced the charge to first-degree manslaughter during his initial court appearance on October 22.
A judge set bail at $1 million, which Romero posted before being released from custody.
The decision has drawn criticism from Irvine’s family and representatives of the union representing Con Edison workers, who are calling for more serious charges.
Union president Frank Morales sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg urging prosecutors to pursue second-degree murder charges and arguing that Romero should face the same legal standards as any other defendant, regardless of his previous career in law enforcement.
What Happened on the George Washington Bridge?
According to prosecutors, the confrontation began on October 20 when Romero and Irvine nearly collided while changing lanes near the entrance to the upper level of the George Washington Bridge.
Investigators allege that surveillance footage shows Romero aggressively following Irvine’s Volkswagen Golf before pulling alongside the vehicle and firing a gunshot through a passenger-side window.
Irvine was struck and later died at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey.
Prosecutors allege that Romero continued driving toward New Jersey without stopping to assist the victim or contacting emergency services.
Irvine, a Rockland County resident, had worked for Con Edison for approximately 20 years. He was married and the father of two children.
Family and Union Members Demand Justice
Irvine’s family has publicly questioned why Romero was released on bail and why the original murder charge was reduced.
His widow, Patricia Irvine, expressed frustration that the accused was able to return home while her family continues to mourn her husband’s death.
Con Edison workers have joined the family’s calls for accountability, gathering outside the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday morning.
The case has drawn attention across New York and New Jersey, particularly because the shooting occurred on one of the region’s busiest transportation crossings and involved a former police detective.
Investigation Continues
Prosecutors are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and a grand jury may determine whether to issue an indictment.
As of Tuesday morning, no new court ruling changing the existing charge had been independently confirmed.
Romero remains accused of first-degree manslaughter. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case continues to raise questions about accountability, public safety and the treatment of former law enforcement officers within the criminal justice system.
Sources: ABC7 New York, CBS News New York, FOX 5 New York, Associated Press and Freedom News TV.
By NJ RADAR Team