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Updated 03/14/2011 06:35 PM

Brooklyn Man Faces Murder Charges After Fatally Pushing NYPD Officer

By: NY1 News

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A Brooklyn ex-con was arraigned overnight on first-degree murder charges after police say he pushed an officer to his death during a domestic violence arrest Sunday morning.

Investigators say George Villanueva, 42, pushed officer Alain Schaberger over a railing, sending the officer toppling nine feet down a cement stairway.

He was pronounced dead at Lutheran Hospital.

The medical examiner says Schaberger died from blunt impact trauma to the head.

His skull was also fractured causing brain injuries.

The 10-year NYPD veteran arrived with two other officers after Villanueva's estranged girlfriend called 911 saying that Villanueva had threatened to kill her.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the suspect had one hand shackled when he pushed Schaberger with both hands.

Villanueva has 28 prior arrests, mostly for robbery and burglary.

He was released from prison in 2005.

Funeral services for Schaberger will be held Friday morning on Long Island.