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Suffolk DA Ray Tierney has issued a statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s comments this morning on four people being charged and released without bail in connection to dismembered body parts found on Long Island.
Hochul made her comments on Fox 5’s Good Day New York after being asked about the arrests, releases and New York’s controversial Bail Reform law. Here is what the governor said:
“Maybe the DA should have done a more thorough investigation and brought murder charges, or conspiracy to commit murder, or even assault charges because all of them are bail eligible.
“Maybe they brought it a little early. I encourage the DA’s office to go back and build your case, because if you bring any of those charges, which I think would be appropriate, that’s absolutely bail eligible. Those people would not be out on the street.”
Hochul’s comments start at 8:21:
Below is the DA’a statement in its entirely:
“Governor Hochul is either completely clueless or being deceitful about how the criminal justice system works. Prosecutors have a duty to bring only charges that are supported by evidence.
Anything else would be unethical.
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Detectives are the best in the country, and they are working 24-7 on this case. For the Governor to criticize the efforts of these detectives without knowing any of the facts in defense of a broken bail system is both baffling and indefensible.
When law enforcement had enough evidence to arrest these defendants for serious felonies, they did the right thing and made those arrests. Did the Governor want the police to leave them out despite having evidence that they cut up and disposed of two bodies?
The Governor’s platform on public safety is laughably inadequate and she should know enough not to comment on ongoing investigations. It would be helpful if the Governor confined her comments to subjects that she knows something about.“
– Ray Tierney
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney exits after a court appearance by Rex Heuermann, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Riverhead, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
