Justice Is On The Way! NYPD Sergeant Charged With Murder For Killing A Mentally Ill Black Woman

Sgt. Hugh Barry, the white NYPD officer who fatally shot a mentally ill black woman insider her Bronx home last October, was charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide Wednesday.

Barry is the first New York City officer to face a top homicide charge in an on-duty shooting since 1999, when four cops fired 41 shots at an unarmed West African immigrant, as the NY Daily News reported.

A grand jury rejected Barry's testimony that he was justified in shooting 66-year-old Deborah Danner, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.

Neighbors called police to Danner's apartment on October 18 after they heard screaming coming from her unit. When officers entered her apartment, she was alone in a rear bedroom holding a pair of scissors.

Barry was able to get Danner to put down her scissors, but he began shooting at her when she allegedly grabbed a baseball bat and charged him.

Prosecutors said Barry failed to get critical information about Danner’s mental health, and disregarded proper procedures “in dealing with emotionally disturbed persons, by rushing into Ms. Danner’s apartment.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio denounced the shooting Wednesday, saying Danner's death "was a tragedy felt deeply by our city." 

“Now that the grand jury has made its decision, we have full faith in the district attorney to lead a fair and thorough prosecution," he added.

Barry posted $100,000 bond and left his hearing without comment. He's been placed on suspended duty until his criminal case is decided, but if convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison.

You can read more about the case over at the NY Daily News.