Queens man gets 39 years to life for shooting NYPD detective

In a Queens courtroom, on a day marked by solemnity, 24-year-old Devin Spraggins was sentenced to 39 years to life in prison for the shooting of NYPD Detective Brett Boller. This incident occurred in April 2023, beginning on a bus and spilling out onto the street, which culminated in a shocking attempt on the life of the rookie officer. At the time of the sentencing, Detective Boller sat alongside his family, reflecting on the trauma of the event and the long road to recovery that followed. The shooting left a significant impact not only on Boller but also on his partner, Officer Anthony Rock, who was so deeply affected by the experience that he ultimately left the NYPD. Throughout the proceedings, the courtroom was filled with officers in solidarity, demonstrating the profound seriousness of the crime committed against one of their own. The prosecution, led by Queens Assistant District Attorney Kanella Georgopoulos, detailed the harrowing events of that fateful day, emphasizing that, due to a malfunction with Spraggins' firearm, the situation could have been far worse than it was. The defendant attempted to shoot Boller a second time, demonstrating an apparent disregard for the officer's life, and it was noted that had the magazine not fallen out of the gun, Boller might not have survived. This critical piece of evidence underscored the severity of Spraggins' actions. Defense attorney Michael Horn painted a picture of Spraggins’ difficult upbringing, describing a background filled with alcohol, abuse, and absence, and requested a more lenient sentence of 20 years to life. However, Judge Kenneth Holder, who presided over the case, explained that he lacked confidence in the parole board and imposed the near-maximum sentence instead. Holder's remarks indicated that the court viewed the act as an attempted execution, a phrase that resonated with the seriousness of the crime and the impact it had on the community. Following the sentencing, Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision, indicating that such a strong sentence would serve as a warning to those who might consider assaulting police officers. Boller’s father thanked the detectives and prosecutors who facilitated the case, while Detective Boller himself opted not to comment, reflecting perhaps his ongoing struggle with the incident. The outcome of the trial not only served justice to a victim of violence but also reinforced the commitment of the NYPD to secure a safe environment for its members and the community at large.