The family of a 46-year-old married father of two, who died after being shot in a suspected road rage incident on the George Washington Bridge earlier this week, spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday. Koran Irvine’s family and their attorney spoke to the media outside the Manhattan cour thouse, where the alleged perpetrator, Victor Romero, a retired NYPD detective, appeared in court. “I speak to my brother every day,” Zeria Irvine said to the media on Thursday. “He guides me every day. We lost a father!” During the hearing, the judge set Romero’s bail at $1 million. During his arraignment, the prosecution charged him with voluntary manslaughter, not murder as initially charged by the police. The retired detective’s attorney and family described him in court as a heroic police officer and family man. If he posts bail, the accused could be released. However, the victim’s family broke their silence and are demanding justice. They spoke to the media after the court hearing. Through tears, they stated that they had lost a father and that the accused had left him to die at the scene. You can watch the press conference here: How did the events occur? Who is the victim? Irvine, an employee of the electric company Con Ed and a resident of Valley Cottage (Rockland County) with his wife and two children, died Tuesday night. According to police sources, an armed individual fired a shot that struck the rear window of the victim’s car after an incident in which the vehicles nearly collided on a bridge access ramp. The bullet struck Irvine in the shoulder, passed through his body, and exited through his neck. Irvine was pronounced dead at a New Jersey hospital. Con Ed reported that Irvine was not on duty at the time of the shooting. A spokesperson issued a statement expressing condolences for this “senseless act of violence.” Neighbors also described Irvine as a helpful person. Irvine lived in Valley Cottage with his wife and two children. Neighbors shared what it was like to live near the 46-year-old and his family. “We moved into the neighborhood; I remember when we first arrived, he was helping us out. They had chickens in the back,” said neighbor Hope Dorceoly. “He brought us chicken eggs to welcome us. He was a really kind person; we’re in shock and devastated for the family.” Who is Victor Romero, the retired NYPD detective charged with murder in this case? The NYPD identified the suspect as 62-year-old Victor Romero and confirmed he has been charged with murder in connection with Irvine’s death. Romero, a former NYPD detective, has been retired for 25 years. Police reported that Romero’s Haverstraw home is under lockdown pending a search warrant and the ongoing investigation. Several police vehicles were observed at the location Thursday morning. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday. Information regarding his legal representation is not yet available. Police sources indicate that authorities have Romero’s firearm and will conduct tests to determine if it is the same weapon used in Tuesday’s shooting. One of the sources indicated that both he and Irvine used to make similar trips to and from Rockland County. What happened before the shooting? According to multiple sources, the victim was captured on video nearly crashing his blue Volkswagen Golf into another vehicle on an access ramp to the George Washington Bridge (GWB). Shortly afterward, the rear passenger-side window of Irvine’s vehicle was shattered by a gunshot; according to law enforcement sources, it was a single shot. The bullet reportedly struck the driver’s seat headrest before hitting the victim, police sources told our sister station NBC New York. The victim’s vehicle then struck a median, bringing it to a complete stop. The suspect was seen continuing on his way. ...read more read less