The tough Brooklyn cops who patrolled the mean streets of East New York with slain Detective Peter Figoski spoke out yesterday to condemn the watered-down verdict given to the evil thug who gunned down the decorated officer.
Lamont Pride, 28, was convicted of second-degree murder Monday for shooting the decorated Figoski in a botched 2011 robbery — but was acquitted on the aggravated murder charge that would have put him in prison for life without parole.
“This jury made Lamont Pride’s life more important than Pete’s. He has the chance to get out — Pete got the death penalty,” said one 75th Precinct cop who worked alongside Figoski.
“Pete gave his life for the citizens of East New York and if the jury doesn’t think Lamont Pride should have gotten murder in the first degree, then they should be ashamed of themselves,” said cop and PBA trustee John Giangrasso, who walked a beat in the 75th earlier in his career.
Pride faces 25 years to life.
“The jury let down the Figoski family,” a disappointed 75th Precinct cop said. “The jury robbed the Figoski family of closure — knowing that the scum who killed their son, brother, and father will be eligible for parole one day to walk the streets as a free man.”
The precinct saw 18 murders last year — among the highest in the city.
“Here’s Pete, a Long Island resident who could have retired two years ago, and every night he came into East New York to protect the community, and now the jury doesn’t protect him,” said another “7-5” cop.