Investigator Joseph Thomas Aversa, 31, was killed in New York City on March 5, 1990, during a chaotic buy-bust operation. A six-year veteran of the New York State Police assigned to the New York City Drug Enforcement Task Force, Aversa was conducting surveillance while undercover negotiators were purchasing what was believed to be a large quantity of cocaine. When the dealers suddenly opened fire on an undercover officer, Aversa led fellow task force members to the scene and an exchange of gunfire followed. Aversa was fatally wounded; two NYPD detectives were also shot and injured. One suspect was wounded and both were taken into custody at the scene.

Investigators later determined the fatal shot that struck Aversa had been fired accidentally by another officer. A trial judge nonetheless ruled that Aversa’s death was a direct result of the two suspects’ actions. Both suspects were convicted of second-degree murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and received lengthy prison terms. Does anyone have additional details about the operation or the trial that could fill gaps in the timeline?