I know defund police police and prison advocates ignore this kind of case and accuse those who mention this of "sensationalizing" crime. But somebody was murdered. And if we don't talk about this, how do we prevent it from happening again? nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-c…
"The diminutive 5-foot-tall Armand ... was ordered by Judge April Neubauer to attend a mental-health treatment program, authorities said. Armand was released from jail to attend the program, and her sentencing was adjourned until she finished." So far so good.
"In April, Armand was charged with felony assault after she went into a post office, asked for mail and sprayed a clerk in the face with pepper spray. When cops tried to arrest her, she kicked and punched and broke one of the officer’s body worn cameras." Not so good.
"Prosecutors in Manhattan asked for $30,000 bond, but she was released without bail. That case is still pending... Ms. Armand has since failed at several programs, and at each instance an (Assistant District Attorney) recommended the jail alternative be imposed, but it was not."
"Neighbors in Washington Heights said Armand had a violent streak and this past winter, a gun was fired from inside her apartment, wounding someone on the street." See, it's not just about Armand. It also needs to be about the community. The neighbors are almost always ignored.
A 60-year-old neighbor said: "She threatens people with a Taser daily. She fights....This person is being allowed to do too many things. If she comes back, I’m leaving. I didn’t sign on for this." You may not live next to Armand. But this guy does. What about him?
When Armand was supposed to go to court for sentencing for her old crime, she doesn't. And instead she ends up murdering Fateema Boston, who comes to her apartment (perhaps sent by Fateema's ex girlfriend).
Reformers need a better alternative than silence. Armand got "services" and a 2nd (and 3rd) chance. Policy should not be dictated by one bad example. One side says, "lock her up!" The reform side needs a better alternative. But you can't just let violent people wreak havoc.
