This may become a major issue after January 1, 2020 with NYS government efforts for speedier trials, which may mean cases would be dismissed for lack of forensic reports.
This is unconscionable.
This letter went to our State and Local Elected Officials.
Charles and Leigh Kinsey
4154 Bennetts Corners Road
Holley, NY 14470
29 July 2019
Governor Cuomo
NYS State Capitol Building Albany
Albany, NY 12224
US
Dear Governor Cuomo,
Our son Mark passed away from a drug overdose on Saturday, June 1, 2019. The criminal who sold pure fentanyl to our son is in jail on charges of criminally negligent homicide. We are concerned about the length of time to process toxicology laboratory reports in Orleans County.
Our District Attorney, Joseph Cardone, has explained to us toxicology reports can require anywhere from six to nine months. This criminal’s public defender is asking for these reports, in the interest of a speedy trial, but the reports are not available. District Attorney Cardone has also explained that the Medical Examiner’s Office and toxicology laboratories are understaffed and underfunded.
Leigh and I do not want to see this criminal released back into the general public, only because toxicology reports are not timely. Please increase funding for and availability of these forensic laboratories, which are such an important part of the criminal justice system.
Sincerely yours,
Charles and Leigh Kinsey
CC: Governor Cuomo, State Senator Ortt, NY State Assemblyman Hawley, Orleans County Legislature
