Victor Romero Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Bridge Shooting

Victor Romero, a former New York City police detective, faces second-degree murder charges after a Lower Manhattan grand jury issued an indictment on Tuesday afternoon.

Prosecutors upgraded the charge from first-degree manslaughter. Romero was arraigned on the reduced manslaughter charge last week. He posted $1 million in bail and remains out of custody while the case proceeds.

The fatal incident occurred on the George Washington Bridge. Prosecutors state that at approximately 6:45 p.m. on a Tuesday, Romero and Koran Irvine attempted to change lanes simultaneously. Surveillance footage shows Romero in a black Range Rover tailgating Irvine. Romero pulled alongside Irvine’s Volkswagen Golf and fired through the rear passenger window. He then drove to Haverstraw, New York, via the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Irvine, a 46-year-old veteran Con Edison electrician and mechanic, was returning home from work. He died from his injuries. Romero entered a Lower Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday for the first public appearance in the case. He did not answer questions from reporters. He sat on the left side of the room for a brief period before leaving.

Patricia Irvine, the victim’s wife, stated that the surveillance video is super clear. She described the incident as murder. She questioned the decision to grant bail despite a request to the contrary. She cited what she called preferential treatment for a former detective.

About 100 Con Edison workers gathered outside the courthouse to support the Irvine family. Chris Demmerle, a shop steward, noted that Romero’s family was visible in the crowd. He argued that the children deserve privacy. Colleagues of Irvine called for justice, describing him as a great coworker.

The investigation continues as prosecutors pursue the upgraded charge. Romero is currently free on bail. The case stems from a road rage confrontation that ended in a shooting on the upper level of the bridge.