Public Advocate Letitia James renewed her call for transparency in the Eric Garner case after the state Supreme Court judge who was supposed to decide whether to release sealed grand jury evidence and testimony from the proceedings recused himself today, citing a possible conflict of interest.
Judge Stephen Rooney stepped down telling lawyers for James, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Legal Aide Society it was because his wife is on the board of Richmond University Medical Center. The hospital employed the EMS personnel who responded to the scene of Garner’s arrest.
James, the NYCLU and Legal Aide brought the suit to release the evidence and testimony from the Garner hearing.
The responders were suspended from duty after a video showed them lending little aid to Garner during his chokehold arrest.
“Today’s decision by Judge Stephen Rooney to recuse himself due to what he described as a potential appearance of impropriety raises more questions than answers,” said James in a statement.
“It further underscores the need to release the Grand Jury minutes related to the investigation of Eric Garner’s death. Thousands of New Yorkers are marching because they believe justice was not served. The only way to restore the public’s faith in our justice system is to bring sunlight into the court system. It’s why I am renewing my call for transparency and directing my legal team to continue fighting in court for disclosure. Regardless of who the new judge is, we will continue to fight for reform and transparency,” she added.
