The retired NYPD detective accused of ending Irvine's life in an alleged fit of road rage has had the charge against him reduced from murder to first-degree manslaughter. News 4's Ida Siegal reports.

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 courthouse, 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:

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."

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.