Four Dominicans (a 26-year-old woman who was 8 months pregnant, her unborn child, her 4-year-old son, and her 16- year-old sister) were killed by a drunken police officer on his way to work last Saturday in New York City. The four were relatives of Puerto Plata bishop, Monsignor Nicanor Peña. Despite efforts to save the unborn child, the baby died in the hospital. A cousin of the victims, Hidelise Peña, wrote to DR1 requesting support for the incident. The New York Times says the accident that shattered a family also raises questions about alcohol abuse among police. The family was crossing Third Avenue on Saturday night, when a drunken off-duty police officer ran a red light and struck them. The NYTimes reports that police investigators believe that the accused officer, Joseph Gray, a 15-year veteran of the 72nd Precinct, was on a drinking binge with several colleagues the day of the accident. The officer was indicted on charges of drunk driving and manslaughter. He made bail of US$250,000 and was released. News reports say Gray will plead not guilty. Bishop Nicanor Peña travelled from Puerto Plata to preside at the funeral service at St. Michael’s Church in New York. The family says those who wish to express their thoughts, concern and support may do so by emailing to the following address: penaherrera_dwitragedy@yahoo.com or call the following number Tel. 718-238-2474. The family would also like those in the US to petition and write to their local congressmen, assemblymen and other city and government officials about ensuring that justice is done. A bulletin will be sent out periodically about upcoming events for which support is needed. Family spokesperson, Hidelise Peña, says New York Governor Pataki will be speaking out concerning this matter on Monday afternoon, 13 August. She says the family is also seeking support from several drinking/driving victims support groups.
