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BALTIMORE, MD: Bishop Heather Cook to be charged with manslaughter in death of cyclist Thomas Palermo
By Ian Duncan
The Baltimore Sun
http://www.baltimoresun.com/
Jan. 9, 2015
Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook will face charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident; driving under the influence and causing an accident due to texting while driving. Both the manslaughter and leaving the scene charge carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
A warrant will be issued for Cook's arrest, prosecutors said.
The case is Mosby's first high profile test after taking over the office this week, and the charges come after days of angst among supporters of the 41-year-old Palermo's family, who questioned why Cook had not been more promptly arrested.
The collision happened Dec. 27 as Palermo was cycling through Roland Park. Church officials identified Cook as the driver of the car that struck Palermo. Cook left the scene in shock, but returned later, according to the church.
Cyclists rallied in support of Palermo, turning out by their hundreds to mourn him on New Year's Day and placing a white bicycle as a memorial near the scene.
The incident has provoked questions among Episcopal clergy who gathered this week to consider the case.
Cook pleaded guilty to a 2010 charge of driving under the influence in which she registered a blood alcohol content of 0.27 percent. The case was not revealed to the clerics and laymen who elected her to the post of Bishop Suffragan in May.
The national Episcopal Church has also started an investigation, which a former longtime Bishop of Maryland said could lead to Cook being stripped of her position.
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Bishop Sutton issues Statement following the State's Attorney charges against Bishop Heather Cook
EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MARYLAND
Jan. 9, 2015
Baltimore, MD -- With the announcement today by civil authorities of charges against Heather Cook in the tragic death of Thomas Palermo, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, reaffirms its respect for the course of action the legal system is taking and prays for a just outcome in this case.
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said in reaction to these charges, "I want to thank the Baltimore Police Department and the State's Attorney's office for the thoroughness and care by which they have handled and investigated this case.
"On behalf of everyone in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, please know that we are deeply heartbroken over this, and we cry for the Palermo family, our sister Heather and all in the community who are hurting," Sutton said. "Our Lord Jesus would be a healing presence in the midst of this tragic situation, and we are seeking ways to walk in his footsteps in the days and months ahead. As we do so we are truly being the church, and we will always be guided by our core Christian values of personal accountability, compassion and respect for the rule of law."
Additionally, the diocese commends the compassionate response of Episcopalians who are keeping the Palermos and the cycling community in their prayers and those who have contributed to the Palermo Children's Educational Trust.
Finally, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is fully cooperating with the Episcopal Church's internal investigation concerning Cook's conduct as a clergy-leader. Since she is a bishop it falls under the jurisdiction of the Episcopal Church and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to handle disciplinary proceedings regarding Cook's actions. These proceedings were begun on or about Jan 2. The disciplinary process, known internally as Title IV for the section of the Church's Constitution dealing with discipline procedures, is in place to objectively investigate and determine appropriate action by the Episcopal Church.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is guided throughout this tragic situation by three core values: accountability, compassion and the rule of law. As we all process and come to understand this tragedy, these values will be our guide.
