Accused cop killer Darrell Fuller was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with three counts of first degree murder in the deaths of Nassau Police Officer Arthur Lopez and motorist Raymond Facey last month.
Fuller was charged with a third first degree murder charge because, even though he killed two people, he murdered more than one person while committing his crimes.
Dozens of cops filled the Mineola courtroom to overflowing, as Fuller, 33, his right arm in a sling from an arranged gunshot wound, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer asked the court to order further medical care for Fuller.
“This guy assassinated two people for no reason and he wants us to take care of his medical needs for the rest of his life,’’ said an outraged Nassau PBA President, James Carver after court.
“This worthless S-O-B is now asking society to help him out,’’ said Carver. “He should never see the light of day – he should rot in hell.’’
Lopez “would have been thirty years old on November first,’’ said Carver. “There’s a family that is looking at an empty chair, without their son, to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“While everybody else is celebrating Thanksgiving, their Thanksgiving – and also the Facey family – is going to be filled with sorrow,’’ said Carver.
Ex-con Fuller is charged with slaying Lopez as he approached Fuller’s car on October 23, on the Nassau-Queens border after Fuller was involved in a hit-run accident.
After shooting Lopez, Fuller fled and stole Facey’s car, shooting him in the head. Fuller is charged with then having a cohort wound him – so he could pretend he was a hostage.
Investigators quickly saw through the scam and Fuller was charged in the case. His lawyer and prosecutors declined to comment.
He was also charged with second degree murder for the killing of Facey, 58, robbery and possession of a weapon – the 9mm handgun used in the slayings. The shootings sparked a massive police response and search.
Carver said the slain cop’s brother – and sister – officers were there to send a message:
“It’s important for us to be there – to show that we’re all in this together. We suffered a tragic loss to all our families,’’ said Carver.
“We think the killing of a police officer is the most egregious act anyone can do because we are the ones who protect society from the bad guys,’’ said Carver.
“A hero remembered never dies,’’ said Carver. “Even though Artie is not here, he will live on in all our memories.’’