Our partner, John LoTurco, Esq., had a Letter to the Editor published in Newsday on behalf of his client, Emily Kelly, regarding Newsday's multiple stories on the matter and a plea that there is not a rush to judgement in this case:
"The allegations against Emily Kelly in the death of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan are precisely that, allegations, and under our system of justice, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law [“Suspect is linked with other kids who died,” News, May 24].
"We urge the public and members of the media to allow the facts to emerge through the judicial process. Kelly is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the right to present her defense before a jury based upon evidence, not emotion.
"Newsday has published multiple stories on this matter, which has contributed to a rush to judgment regarding Kelly. Under the Sixth Amendment, she is constitutionally guaranteed the right to a fair and impartial trial by a jury of her peers. That right is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system, and excessive sensationalism threatens to undermine it.
"The public’s interest in this case is understandable given the tragic circumstances involved. "However, public interest must not come at the expense of the fundamental principles that protect every individual accused of a crime. "A fair trial requires patience, objectivity, and respect for due process." — John H. LoTurco, Esq., Huntington