A judge sentenced former NYPD cop Ritchard Blake to probation on Thursday.
Blake shot Thavone Santana, who was involved with his girlfriend, in the face, planted a knife next to him & then claimed he was robbed.
The DA had sought 1 to 3 years in prison.
nypost.com/2019/12/12/rit…
Blake shot Thavone Santana, who was involved with his girlfriend, in the face, planted a knife next to him & then claimed he was robbed.
The DA had sought 1 to 3 years in prison.
nypost.com/2019/12/12/rit…
The same judge who sentenced Blake also sentenced the two former NYPD officers, Eddie Martins and Richard Hall, who raped an 18-year-old girl in their custody to probation.
In that case the DA had also sought a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison.
nypost.com/2019/08/29/jud…
In that case the DA had also sought a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison.
nypost.com/2019/08/29/jud…
The judge's name is Danny Chun and he sits in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
He is best known for sentencing former NYPD officer Peter Liang to probation and community service in the killing of Akai Gurley. nytimes.com/2016/04/20/nyr…
He is best known for sentencing former NYPD officer Peter Liang to probation and community service in the killing of Akai Gurley. nytimes.com/2016/04/20/nyr…
That case was particularly staggering because a jury found Liang guilty of manslaughter after a trial, and the judge reduced the charge to criminally negligent homicide.
That almost never happens.
That almost never happens.
It might be one thing if Justice Chun gave non-incarcetory sentences to everyone.
That isn't the case. In fact it is so very far from being the case.
That isn't the case. In fact it is so very far from being the case.
In 2016, he sentenced 16-year-old Marcell Dockery to 19 years to life on a felony murder charge resulting from a case where the teenager lit a mattress alight.
A police officer responding to the fire died of smoke inhalation.
nytimes.com/2016/06/15/nyr…
A police officer responding to the fire died of smoke inhalation.
nytimes.com/2016/06/15/nyr…
In that case the DA had asked for 18 years prison (which was a stunningly high recommendation for a child charged with felony murder) but Chun actually went above that.
Some jurors said afterwards they did not understand Marcell could receive anything like that sort of time.
Some jurors said afterwards they did not understand Marcell could receive anything like that sort of time.
It is not a coincidence that Justice Chun hears cases involving police officers. They are steered to his part. The same way other judges handle most DWI cases or most domestic violence cases.
This happens in other boroughs in New York City.
This happens in other boroughs in New York City.
For instance, in the Bronx, most police killing cases go before Justice Robert Neary or Justice Steven Barrett, who are also sympathetic to cops.
Justice Neary acquitted Hugh Barry, the NYPD officer who killed Deborah Danner, in a bench trial.
nytimes.com/2018/02/15/nyr…
Justice Neary acquitted Hugh Barry, the NYPD officer who killed Deborah Danner, in a bench trial.
nytimes.com/2018/02/15/nyr…
Justice Steven Barrett threw out the manslaughter indictment against NYPD Officer Richard Haste in the killing of Ramarley Graham.
nytimes.com/2013/05/16/nyr…
nytimes.com/2013/05/16/nyr…
Judges are not neutral arbiters and they exercise outsize influence.
Because of one judge, a cop who intentionally shot a person in the face and planted evidence will face no consequences, but a child who didn't intend to kill anyone, will spend his life in prison.
Because of one judge, a cop who intentionally shot a person in the face and planted evidence will face no consequences, but a child who didn't intend to kill anyone, will spend his life in prison.
We need to reform the system in NYC whereby cases involving police officers as defendants or victims are steered to certain judges who have evidenced very clear pro-police bias.
We know it is almost impossible to get to the point where a police officer is arrested or charged.
We know it is almost impossible to get to the point where a police officer is arrested or charged.
This all but guarantees no accountability.
And of course EVERY case brought before a judge involves police as prosecution witnesses, so a judge who shows this sort of pro-police bias, will have it in every case towards the prosecution.
Fixing the steering part is one step, but a really important one.
Fixing the steering part is one step, but a really important one.
Important correction by Thavone Santanta's attorney @TahanieAboushi - Mr. Santana was not involved with Blake's girlfriend as misreported by media.
