Katrina Brownlee is a retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) detective who overcame domestic violence and became a voice for victims and survivors. Her story of courage and resilience has been featured in several media outlets, including The New York Times and CBS 48 Hours. This article will provide a brief overview of her life, career, and achievements.
Early Life and Abuse
Katrina Brownlee was born in 1970 and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She became a single mother at the age of 18 and lived in the Brevoort housing projects with her daughter. She met Alex Irvin, a New York City correction officer, in 1988 and started a relationship with him. She hoped that he would provide stability and security for her and her child, but soon discovered that he was abusive and violent.
According to The Cinemaholic, Irvin physically and sexually assaulted Brownlee for five years, often locking her in closets and threatening her with his service weapon. He also isolated her from her family and friends and controlled her finances. Brownlee called the police several times, but they did not help her because Irvin flashed his badge and claimed that they were having a domestic dispute. Brownlee felt that the police system failed her and that she had no way out.
The Shooting and the Trial
In 1992, Brownlee decided to leave Irvin and moved out with her two daughters, one of whom was Irvin’s biological child. She also became pregnant with another man’s baby. Irvin was enraged and stalked her, threatening to kill her and her unborn child. On January 9, 1993, Brownlee went back to their former home to collect some clothes, unaware that Irvin was waiting for her with a gun.
According to CBS News, Irvin shot Brownlee 10 times in various parts of her body, including her stomach, chest, and buttocks. He reloaded his revolver twice and taunted her, asking her if she was ready to die. He also tried to make her say that she shot herself. Brownlee survived the attack, but lost her baby and suffered permanent injuries. She was saved by a family friend who arrived at the scene and called the police.
Irvin was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty and claimed that he acted in self-defense. He also called Brownlee from jail and told her to lie in court and say that she shot herself. Brownlee refused and testified against him, despite being afraid of him. Irvin was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He is still incarcerated as of 2023.
Career and Advocacy
After the shooting, Brownlee decided to join the NYPD to change the system that she felt let her down. She graduated from the police academy in 1994 and became a patrol officer. She later worked as an undercover vice detective, posing as a prostitute and arresting johns and pimps. She also worked as a domestic violence officer, helping other victims and survivors of abuse. She rose through the ranks and became one of the top detectives in the department. She also became one of the few Black women chosen to protect a New York City mayor, Bill de Blasio.
According to her website, Brownlee retired from the NYPD in 2020 after 26 years of service. She is now a motivational speaker, a domestic violence advocate, and a mentor for young women. She also wrote a book about her life story, titled “The Good Cop: A Memoir of Survival, Redemption, and Breaking the Blue Wall of Silence”. She hopes to inspire others with her message of hope and empowerment.
Conclusion
Katrina Brownlee is a remarkable woman who turned her tragedy into a triumph. She survived a brutal shooting by her ex-fiancé, who was a correction officer, and became a successful and respected NYPD detective. She also became a voice for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sharing her story and raising awareness. She is a true example of courage and resilience.