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Crooked Ex-NY Cop Busted in Lover's Murder

Former narcotics officer was to testify against other 'dirty' cops

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2009 4:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – A corrupt ex-cop's arrest yesterday in the murder of his girlfriend has dealt a fresh blow to the NYPD's battered image, the New York Daily News reports. Former narcotics officer James Bowens resigned from the force last year after being charged with stealing cash and crack to give to informants. He agreed to testify against former colleagues in a plea deal, now jeopardized by the death of his lover.

Bowen, who fled after allegedly fatally shooting his girlfriend and wounding her friend on Sunday, was arrested without a struggle after police spotted his car. His arrest follows the sentencing last week of two officers convicted of moonlighting as Mafia hit men, and the arrest yesterday of an off-duty cop accused of beating a black man while shouting racist abuse.

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

James Bowens, now suspected of murder, was one of four cops arrested in a Brooklyn narcotics squad scandal that forced prosecutors to throw out 183 drug cases. (©theakshay)

The arrest of an ex-NYPD officer for murder is the latest in a string of scandals to hit the force. (©Mark Scott Johnson)

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Ex-NYPD officer Jerry Bowens, accused of murdering his girlfriend, was arrested without a struggle after he surrendered to police. (cloudwriter)

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Crooked Ex-NY Cop Busted in Lover's Murder