Nov 4, 2009 11:30 pm US/Eastern
Off-Duty NY Cop Accidentally Shoots, Kills Friend
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Andre Everett, 27, was killed after his friend, off-duty Eastchester police officer James Pileggi, accidentally shot him in the neck on Nov. 3, 2009.
CBS
An off-duty Westchester police officer is charged with manslaughter Wednesday after a tragic mistake left his good friend dead.
James Pileggi, 29, his his face as he was released on bond Wednesday, charged with killing his close friend, 27-year-old Andre Everett, who he accidentally shot in the neck at close range in front of the victim's New Rochelle home.
Dick and Liz Creaturo knew Everett his entire life.
"He was an extremely respectful kid, always stopped by to say hello to you, how are you," Dick Creaturo said.
Police said Pileggi, a cop in neighboring Eastchester, pulled his Lexus SUV up to the driveway at Everett's home. The off-duty officer was with two friends and Everett was standing outside the window.
Investigators said Pileggi was showing his friends the Glock 23 handgun, which has a laser site under the muzzle, when weapon suddenly discharged.
"We believe it was reckless conduct on the part of Mr. Pileggi," said New Rochelle Police Capt. Joseph Scholler.
CBS 2 has learned Pileggi had a good work record with Eastchester Police, but six months ago an anonymous letter to cops raised red flags about who Pileggi was associating with off-duty.
The "mystery letter" accused Pileggi of hanging out with criminal elements
The Eastchester Police Department asked Westchester County cops to investigate. No charges were filed, but Pileggi was warned to avoid the appearance of impropriety when choosing his friends.
Pileggi's lawyer defended him as a good cop.
"This was just a terrible tragic accident, not even a reckless crime," said defense attorney Angelo MacDonald.
Eastchester is moving to suspend Pileggi without pay.
The victim worked at a local real estate firm.
Investigators said after the shooting, Pileggi did not attempt to render first aid.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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