David Burnham, a former New York Times investigative reporter whose work uncovering corruption in the New York Police Department circa the 1970s inspired the twice Oscar-nominated Serpico, died earlier this week at 91. Frank Serpico in 2017’s ‘Frank Serpico’Commemorating the reporter, Serpico wrote on social media, “Couldn’t have done it without you David,” alongside a thumbs up and praying emoji. The investigative reports outlined how officers extorted millions of dollars annually from businesses, drug dealers and gamblers amid citywide coverups. His work also launched the Knapp commission, the investigative commission that Lindsay was pressured to form led by lawyer Whitman Knapp. Serpico was a star witness, which led to the indictment of dozens of police officers and a few convictions.

Source: The Times October 06, 2024 02:56 UTC