Former NYPD officer acquitted of murder in shooting of childhood friend during confrontation

MINEOLA, N.Y. — A former New York City police officer has been acquitted of murder in the shooting death of his childhood friend during a confrontation on Long Island.

A jury on Thursday convicted Errick Allen, 30, solely of menacing in the shooting of Christopher Curro on May 12, 2020, Newsday reported.

Allen was off duty when he shot Curro, his friend from North Massapequa Elementary School. New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ office investigated the shooting because it involved a police officer.

Prosecutors from James’ office said during the five-week trial that Allen shot Curro “execution style” in the head, neck and arm after an exchange of angry text messages. Defense attorney Anthony La Pinta said Curro attacked Allen and tried to grab his NYPD-issued weapon. La Pinta called the shooting a “classic case of self-defense,” Newsday reported.

The Nassau County jury acquitted Allen of murder and manslaughter. Because the menacing charge carries a maximum prison sentence of one year, Allen, who has been in jail since his indictment in August 2021, was scheduled to be released Thursday evening.

Curro’s mother said she was angry and “very surprised and very shocked” by the ruling. Suzanne Curro said her son, who was 24 when he died, was unarmed during the confrontation.

“Chris had no weapons,” the mother told Newsday. “My son only used his words, he didn’t use his weapons and he didn’t use his hands.”

Allen’s stepfather, Kyle Savas, said, “I hope everyone can start healing. I hope the Curro family can find peace.”

The attorney general’s office declined to comment.