Now that the shock has worn off and I am forced to accept the reality that Judge Weinstein really did throw out the verdict, I can’t help but feel in my heart that this is not the way this story will end. It feels like there is a rock in the pit of my stomach, a heavy feeling of sadness and anger that the law can lead to such an unfair conclusion. In addition, I cannot comprehend how a jury of 12, who were carefully explained about the statute issue and the criteria for it to be an issue, can all be wrong. I was under the impression that in order for the conspiracy to be considered over, they would have to have admitted that they were part of a conspiracy and that they had left that life behind them. This admission and remorse had to have been expressed before their arrest. We all know they have insisted on their innocence until today and have never furnished any proof during the trial that they left their evil lives. (How could they if they pled innocent?) Judge Weinstein seems to think that their retiring from the force was when the conspiracy ended.
I cannot imagine that after 20 years, when God was so kind as to grant us justice for the murder of my young father, that those same murderers would get away with it because of a technicality. Despite the feeling of dissapointment and disbelief, I believe in my heart of hearts that their victory is short lived and if the government fails in getting them through the appeals, then the state will get them for murder. Meanwhile, we can only take it day by day.
It just seems fitting that a story as bizarre as this should have such bizarre twists and turns.
I am really anticipating whether Judge Weinstein, who publicly stated that they are guilty of these crimes, no doubt, will let them out on bail. I think that what he rules that day will say a lot. If he let’s them out on bail, knowing, as he publicly stated, that they are guilty of all those murders, and knowing that they are most definitely a flight risk (because who in their right minds wouldn’t be if they knew they had a huge chance of dying in prison), then I don’t know what to think or believe anymore.
I hope Judge Weinstein does the right thing and keeps them in jail during the appeals process, because the alternative is just too destructive and completely unjust.
‘Mafia Cops’ judge asserts authority over case
Daily News 7-4-06
‘Mafia cops’ freedom will be brief
Daily News 7-13-06.
