2 months ago
“It seems to us there has to be one standard of justice,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner during a virtual news conference. “We cannot have state law that encourages and incentivizes police officers who violate the constitution while they are killing people.”
A bi-partisan group of nearly 70 criminal justice leaders from across the country, including chiefs of police, attorneys general, and elected prosecutors, filed an amicus brief in support of the DA’s appeal.
Fortuanto Perri Jr., one of Pownall’s lawyers, declined comment on Thursday’s brief. He has said the legal challenge raised by the district attorney helps prove his defense. “Clearly the existing law justifies his conduct. The District Attorney’s Office decided to ignore the existing law in bringing this prosecution,” he told reporters last January.
These groups help prevent violence in communities across the city by collectively ensuring that our youth are engaged in productive activities, are self-empowered to become leaders for their community, and provide the mentoring and educational supports necessary to help them flourish as they grow into adulthood.
This grant funding, derived from the lawful and appropriate use of civil asset forfeiture, will be distributed and audited by the
Philadelphia Foundation. The DAO anticipates announcing the next round of awards in 30 to 60 days. Groups interested in applying for future violence prevention funding are strongly encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Foundation at
GrantmakingServices@philafound.org.
By Alicia Victoria Lozano •
Updated on September 27, 2019 at 3:34 pm
What to Know
More than 80% of Philadelphia death row inmates are black men and 91% are non-white minorities, according to the Philly DA s office
72% of all capital punishment convictions involving Philadelphia inmates were later overturned during post-conviction appeals, the DAO says
Opponents of capital punishment say these numbers show the death penalty is arbitrarily applied and should be abolished
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected a petition on behalf of two death row inmates to declare capital punishment unconstitutional in the commonwealth.
The one-page ruling, which came down Thursday but was made public Friday morning, squashed what some hoped would mark the formal end to capital cases in Pennsylvania because of what critics call the cruel and arbitrary way it s applied to poor and black defendants.
Suspected serial killer Keith Gibson charged with murder of own mother Christine Gibson krdo.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from krdo.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Here are 10 wrongly-convicted men who have reached a settlement with the City of Philadelphia since they were exonerated, as of June 15. Other lawsuits remain pending against the city. In my view, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and the Philadelphia Police Department have historically violated their sworn oaths to uphold the Constitution, seek justice, and protect and serve Philadelphians. Too often, they engaged in and tolerated horrendous abuses of power, Krasner wrote in the report. [A] fair number of Philadelphia prosecutors, driven by a win-at-all-cost office culture, covered for or participated in these abuses.
Krasner is being challenged by Republican candidate Charles Peruto Jr. in the November general election, and is expected to win a second term due to Democrats 7-to-1 majority over Republicans in Philadelphia.