General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsUpdate: Road Rage (important)
Last edited Tue Dec 2, 2014, 01:27 PM - Edit history (1)
Last week, I asked the DU community to contact the Chenango County District Attorneys Office, to express opposition to John Guzy being granted bail. This is the man who, on October 27, shot my cousin and his son, in a fit of road rage. Guzy, a retired NYC cop, was employed as a part-time deputy at the Sheriffs Department at the time.
On Friday, December 5, there is a court hearing in which Guzys attorney will ask that bail be set. Under NYS law, a judge can set bail, but does not have to if there are strong reasons not to. If ever there was a case in which a person should be denied bail, this is it. Indeed, both the DA and police think that this case could spark a change in the law that allows the John Guzys to be considered appropriate candidates for bail.
This morning, I was told by a source very close to the prosecution of the case that the DAs office has had an unprecedented public outcry, demanding that bail be denied. This is due to the good people who are part of the DU community. A lead investigator on the case said that the DAs office has been overwhelmed with the number of letters and e-mails, and extremely impressed with their quality. He requested that we now send those same messages to the Judges clerk.
Typically, such messages are appropriately sent to the DA, who then informs the judge of the general responses. This case, however, is not typical. It is important that the judge hearing the case be fully aware of the public opinion. More, we have identified one exception to the state law that prohibits a judge from reading a letter. If the opening sentence of the letter begins with, As a (family member, friend of the family, concerned citizen, etc), I want Judge Frank Revoir to hear my voice before deciding if John Guzy should be granted bail, he is allowed to read it.
There are four primary reasons that the Court can use to determine to not grant bail. These include:
[1] The viciousness of the crime: Guzy was furious that the car ahead of him was traveling at the speed limit. As a result, he shot and seriously wounded Derek Prindle, age 60, a passenger in the vehicle; and shot and killed Derek Dylan Prindle, 26, the driver. Derek Dylan died in his fathers arms, before an ambulance reached the scene of the crime.
[2] Guzy threatened to kill both men. In fact, while Derek attempted to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to his dying son, Guzy slammed his handgun into the back of Prindles head, and pulled the trigger. The bullet jammed in the chamber. Guzys home is located a few miles from Derek Prindles, and the entire Prindle family is afraid of what Guzy might do if released.
[3] Guzy has threatened other community members in recent months. The police and DA are aware of his having at least two other road rage incidents, including one where he threatened to kill another driver. More, this summer, he became angry when two kids were riding four-wheelers (on their parents property). He fired his gun in their general direction.. Their parents called the police. Guzy claimed that he was merely target-practicing on his property. We know exactly what he was practicing, and what he is fully capable of.
[4] Guzy presents a flight risk. Last night, my youngest daughter, a high school student, summed it up very well -- if he has the resources to make bail, he has the resources to leave this area. He knows he is facing a life sentence, and has nothing to lose. Even if he got caught, what can the court do? Add years onto a life sentence?
Dereks 86- year old father, a WW2 veteran, has taken him to the doctors today, as the bullet wound he suffered on that terrible day became infected. Having had the DA inform him yesterday that the Judge is considering actually setting bail on Friday has re-victimized my family. The past 24 hours have been hell. Derek called me early this morning, to let me know he wouldnt be home (we are in contact every day, and I visit him most every day). A few minutes after we got off the phone, he called back to remind me to express his thanks to all of you for your support.
By nature, I do not like to ask for help. And asking twice is way more difficult. But I am asking that, if possible, you please send an e-mail to the Chenango County Court Clerk, asking that bail be denied to John Guzy on Friday. I hope that you know how much your help means to me.
Ive got a full schedule between now and Fridays court hearing. So, if not before then, I will definitely be updating you on how it went on Friday afternoon.
Peace,
Pat
Link to Court Clerk: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/6jd/chenango/county.shtml
FSogol
(45,476 posts)octoberlib
(14,971 posts)Last edited Tue Dec 2, 2014, 02:18 PM - Edit history (1)
[email protected]
Edited to add the correct email address : [email protected]
Melinda
(5,465 posts)Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
Contact Us
District Office
31 Lewis Street - 5th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-240-5350
Fax: 212-295-4927
E-Mail: [email protected]
Like you, I am unsure of the correct email, so I intend to use both. Hopefully someone who knows will update those of us who don't.
octoberlib
(14,971 posts)NaturalHigh
(12,778 posts)spanone
(135,823 posts)HappyMe
(20,277 posts)malthaussen
(17,187 posts)No way this guy should get bail.
-- Mal
rickford66
(5,523 posts)I had a relative killed in a road construction accident and am very careful about speed limits. When sections of I88 were down to one lane, I stayed at the posted 45 mph. I was constantly harassed by tailgaters. At the time I would slow down more until they backed off. Now I wonder if this maniac was one of them. This man should never see the light of day.
Tommymac
(7,263 posts)If you slow down you are playing the same game they are. And feeding the beast.
Don't give in - maintain your speed. Don't be guilty of playing games with other drivers - you are no better then them at that point.
If they are really bothering you that much - pull over at a safe location and let them go by.
Leylah154
(1 post)The poster said this is in construction zones. Do you drive? I'm guessing you don't, or you would know that you can't pull over and let people pass, it's illegal to pull over in a work zone (and impossible because there is usually no shoulder). He had a relative die in a road construction accident- why would he want to let someone pass so they can drive 90 mph in a work zone and kill someone else? Slowing down a little is not "playing games." Slamming on your brakes, I'd agree with- but I have a feeling this man is saying he goes from the posted 45 mph limit to probably 40 mph or so (like I've seen plenty of people do, and is still an acceptable speed- unless you're a Guzy)- nothing drastic. Letting someone know, in a subtle manner, that they are driving unsafe and should back off a little, is not the same as riding someone's bumper, trying to cause an accident. "The beast" shouldn't be driving in the first place if he can't control himself.
Also, to the original poster- great comment! There are too many people that put others lives at risk by driving dangerously. I'm sorry to hear of your loss, and I'm sure whoever you lost would be very grateful that you're dedicated to making sure no one else's life is lost in the same reckless manner (at least, not if you can help it!)
niyad
(113,259 posts)calimary
(81,220 posts)Paul Begala once said 100 paper letters would change the course of a newsroom. It's the letters. It's the "somebody took the time to write this and send it in" thing. That is SIGNIFICANT. It means numbers. It means implied numbers. That same "somebody who took the time to write this and send it in" WILL BE VIEWED as representative of a lot more people feeling and thinking the same thing, except they may not be able to, or have time to, or think it's worth it to take the time to write this and send it in. But they STILL do feel and think the same thing.
mountain grammy
(26,619 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,587 posts)mmonk
(52,589 posts)Glad to see people can make a difference.
mike dub
(541 posts)though I'm from North Carolina, I tee'ed it up as "I would certainly be contacting my county's clerk's office Here re; no bail if a crime like this had Happened here" (didn't use caps in mid sentence, like I'm doing here ;o)
Best, Mike
mmonk
(52,589 posts)JimDandy
(7,318 posts)H2O Man
(73,536 posts)We need as many of these as possible!
JimDandy
(7,318 posts)who drives and therefore could be a target of road rage, so there's that.
H2O Man
(73,536 posts)(I apologize -- I thought I had included this. I'm exhausted.)
http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/6jd/chenango/county.shtml
myrna minx
(22,772 posts)CrispyQ
(36,457 posts)This kind of viciousness cannot be treated lightly.
I will be back, promise.
My sympathy to you & your family.
BlancheSplanchnik
(20,219 posts)I will, Pat
herding cats
(19,564 posts)I'll be able to send an email later today. Peace to you and your family.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,587 posts)I really want to see this monster put away forever.
Dustlawyer
(10,495 posts)The stress of the charges against him are likely to make his drinking worse. His concern for consequences of any future acts may be nil as he could reasonably assume he is going away for life. There is a dangerous pattern of recent, violent behavior that poses a severe risk to the public and the victim's family.
If this man is granted bail it would be one more nail in the coffin that is our current system of justice. Cops, Wall Street executives, corporations like BP, and war crimminals such as Dick Cheney and Bush II should not be above the law, but have been these last several years. We need to respond in mass to the PTB that this will be tolerated no longer!
Make a pledge to yourself that you will respond each time that you see injustice in America. We are the only ones that will do it, it must come from us. Our politicans are paid to do the bidding of the PTB as is the media. They can be forced to properly do their jobs if enough of us remain vigilant and vow to no longer remain silent!
We are with you H2O Man!
ellennelle
(614 posts)this must be so trying, and of course we all support you in whatever way we can.
i would only add, no thanks necessary, as any efforts we extend on behalf of justice for one, also work toward justice for all.
gademocrat7
(10,654 posts)Standing with you, H2O man.
Omaha Steve
(99,582 posts)For what it is worth.
H2O Man
(73,536 posts)Thank you!
msanthrope
(37,549 posts)Dear Clerk Schell,
Please forward the following letter in protest of bail for Frank Guzy to the Honorable Frank B. Revoir. I thank you for help.
(name redacted)
(name redacted), Esquire
(address redacted)
The Honorable Frank B. Revoir
Chenango County Court Clerk
13 Eaton Ave.
Norwich, NY 13815
2 December, 2014
Dear Judge Revoir,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen regarding the upcoming bail hearing of John Guzy on Friday, 5 December. I oppose granting of bail, and although I have many reasons why, I want this letter to focus on two points, since I am sure you have already received so much mail on this issue.
One: There seem to be prior 'rage' incidents where Mr. Guzy made contact with the police. For whatever reason, the police involved chose to believe him regarding his explanations for his behavior. This did not serve as a wake-up call to Mr. Guzy to modulate his behavior either in tone, or in his use of firearms. In fact, it may have served to embolden him. I think granting bail would only serve as a further means of buoying Mr. Guzy, and I shudder to think what he might do.
Two, there is a current public perception that the police are treated better than most within our criminal justice system. As an attorney (licensed outside NY) who has practiced criminal law, I can only say that if the public does not perceive that equal justice is available to all under the law, even cops, then Justice has failed.
I have faith that your Honor will hear all voices, that you will follow the law, and that you will act accordingly.
Respectfully,
(name redacted)
Omaha Steve
(99,582 posts)msanthrope
(37,549 posts)steve2470
(37,457 posts)BrotherIvan
(9,126 posts)I hope the judge is inundated with letters. This man is dangerous to your family and the community.
Thank you, H2O Man, for asking us. This is one specific action we can take. Please be well and let us know what happens. Give your family our best.
JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)Hekate
(90,644 posts)johnnyreb
(915 posts)Enough info to identify the case, using your opening sentence, invoking my own father's WWII Pacific service in mentioning Derek senior's father's service, and plenty of ways to contact me for verification. Two very short paragraphs: No bail!!
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)I just dashed off this email:
As a concerned citizen of the great State of New York, I want Judge Frank Revoir to hear my voice before deciding if John Guzy should be granted bail.
I have been following the so-called road rage case against Frank Guzy, and am disheartened to hear that bail is actually being considered for this monster. The man showed indifference to human life and was enraged because the two men he shot at were doing nothing more than following the speed limit. In an increasingly scary world, it is frightening to think that law abiding citizens can be summarily executed by a man with anger management issues, but that this man should be free, even for a short time, while that poor young man lies in his grave, his father suffering from the physical and emotional effects of the shooting (and lets not forget that he threatened the elder Mr. Prindle again with a gun while Mr Prindle sought to render aid to his dying son), is too much to contemplate.
I need not elucidate the myriad reasons why this monster should not be allowed to walk among decent and rational people ever again, but in an age when public perception is quickly becoming that persons associated with law enforcement are afforded more leniency, Mr. Guzys association with the sheriff's office may help him but will serve to greatly tarnish the departments reputation. As the sister of a retired Sheriffs Deputy, this bothers me not a little.
Lastly, the fact that this person has had brushes with the law owing to his ungovernable temper should seal his fate hereafter. If he shows his true nature again and someone is injured or killed again, would you be able to look that victims family in the eye, knowing you had the authority to keep this monster behind bars?
I am begging you to please keep us all safe and keep this monster behind bars where he belongs.
Respectfully yours,
Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)I might rewrite, but the substance is what I'd like to borrow.
On edit, I travel by car, there in NY a lot!!
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)Just change it enough so it doesn't seem like a form letter but sure, go for it!
Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)Altered and sent. We drive in NY State every summer.
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)I'm in Westchester County on the Hudson River
Lifelong Protester
(8,421 posts)through the Finger Lakes area, then drive down near the Hudson. This year we went to Storm King, and then to the town of Hudson.
dorkzilla
(5,141 posts)I live about 90 minutes south of your Hudson. Storm King is awesome!
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,587 posts)I hope many DUers will respond positively to your post, and send those much-needed emails, my dear H20 Man.
Sedona
(3,769 posts)Snail mail would be too slow from LA to get there by Friday.
Here's the fax number again if anyone needs it. 917-522-3477
It feels good to accomplish something so worthy on my lunch break.
peacebird
(14,195 posts)rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)americannightmare
(322 posts)this POS Guzy wouldn't be allowed to own a gun!
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Seriously.
My opinion: terrorists should not be set free to terrorize.
Guzy proved his murderous rage issues when he murdered. To let him out would be to endanger anyone with whom he comes in contact, anyone in the community, even the judge.
K&R and will write something.
kcr
(15,315 posts)I hope that judge denies bail ((hugs))
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)and change the wording to however you'd like.
[email protected]
[email protected]
To the Honorable Judge Frank Revoir:
As a friend of the Prindle family, I want Judge Frank Revoir to hear my voice before deciding if John Guzy should be granted bail.
I believe John Guzy is still a threat to the public and as such should remain locked up. He delivered vicious and terrible gun violence that caused incomprehensible loss to the family - a grief and sorrow that surviving members will carry to their grave. Many in the community have expressed deep anxiety that should John Guzy be granted bail he will again cause violence to others. We must not take the risk that would allow that to happen.
Thank you for hearing my plea that John Guzy be denied bail.
Sincerely,
(lovemydog)
gater
(297 posts)As a native of Central New York, with family ties to the Southern Tier, I follow your local area news pretty closely from the Midwest, where I currently reside. I was shocked when I read about John Guzy's road rage attack against a fellow motorist that resulted in the death of 26 year old Derek Dylan Prindle, and wounded Prindle's father. My horror intensified when research into Mr. Guzy's past showed a series of actions which must be considered at least a careless disregard for human life, but more likely, a sociopath's disdain for the life of anyone who he feels has wronged him in some warped way.
It is from this viewpoint that I respectfully request you pass my feelings along to the court prior to the bail hearing Friday. Mr. Guzy may, at one time, have been a good police officer, but he is now just an armed brute and thug, and should not be allowed to threaten the community further, or given the chance to run and hide.
barbtries
(28,787 posts)clearly the man needs to remain behind bars. that bail would even be considered in this case is insulting. All the best to your family, and I'll be looking for the update.
I remember when my daughter was killed. The stress level associated with court appearances was off the charts; it defies expression, i can only say that i went more than a little crazy for days before every court date. there is such an abiding need for justice, and it is so often denied. and the rage and the grief and the pain all so immediate.
the man who did this to your family should never see the light of day again. sadly he's too old to sacrifice all the years he cost your cousin, and nothing anyone can do will bring your cousin back. it's so hard, and so wrong.
2banon
(7,321 posts)K & R
janlyn
(735 posts)I felt reading your post. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
denbot
(9,899 posts)Peace to you and yours.
babylonsister
(171,056 posts)onecaliberal
(32,826 posts)Sent as a concerned citizen since I live in California. This whole terrible situation has broken my heart for your family. This is one small thing I can do to help.
Hoping for endless strength to get you all through this week. Keep us updated and do not hesitate to ask for anything we could possibly do to help.
pocoloco
(3,180 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,587 posts)FourScore
(9,704 posts)That's how I saw it! I'll send a letter in the morning.
FourScore
(9,704 posts)Wishing the best outcome for you and your family, H2O Man!
bobGandolf
(871 posts)Just e-mailed them
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Should have arrived by now from L.A.
Keeping this kicked for a positive outcome which I think is inevitable.
Hang on, H20 Man - WE'RE WITH YOU!
Skittles
(153,147 posts)yes
Tommymac
(7,263 posts)Here is the email I sent. Feel free to modify and use as your own - please change it enough so it does not read like a form letter.
As a concerned citizen I want Judge Frank Revoir to hear my voice before deciding if John Guzy should be granted bail.
The extreme callousness and viciousness of this crime has drawn national attention, and I want to let my opinion be known.
This person, John Guzy, has shown an utter disregard for human life, and has shown he is capable of unreasoned and extremely vicious violence towards others. A malfunctioning gun is all that prevented him from killing a wounded father, Derek Prindle, while he was attempting to perform life saving measures on his son, Derek Dylan, who ultimately died from his wounds. John Guzy had just shot both men for the simple reason they were traveling the speed limit on a State Highway.
Members of Mr. Prindle's family are in fear for his life, and their own, if Mr. Guzy is released on bail for even a short time. They are traumatized by the initial violent acts of Mr. Guzy, whose past history of violent and antisocial behavior with firearms (including several other incidents of recorded road rage where he threatened to kill the other drivers and the fact that he has shot at children playing in his neighborhood) leaves them fearful that he will seek retribution on them immediately. He would also be a very likely flight risk due to his past behaviors as he has the resources to make bail so he has the resources to run, and he may think he has nothing to lose because he knows that the penalty for the crimes he committed would be life imprisonment with little chance of parole.
Do not grant John Guzy bail for any reason. Due to the viciousness of his crimes, the legitimate risk his violent and antisocial nature presents to the safety of members of the victims family and the community at large, and the high percentage flight risk he presents, John Guzy needs to remain safely in the custody of the State until his trial before his peers for murder and attempted murder is concluded.
Sincerely,
<tommymac>
Pittsburgh PA 1XXXXX
steve2470
(37,457 posts)ReRe
(10,597 posts)... no matter how many times it takes to keep that lunatic behind bars, and your family feeling safe. Hugs to you and your family. Be strong.
rosesaylavee
(12,126 posts)My condolences and prayers to you and your family.
proReality
(1,628 posts)Short and to the point. Anyone wishing to modify it is welcome to...
As a concerned citizen, I would appreciate Judge Frank Revoir hearing my voice before deciding the issue of bail for John Guzy.
Though currently living in Kentucky, I was born and raised in Binghamton, NY; 90% of my family still reside in Broome and Chenango Counties. Having followed news items concerning Mr. Guzy's heinous crime on 27 October 2014, I fear for the safety of my family--and the general public--should this out-of-control police officer be allowed back on the streets.
Knowing that Mr. Guzy has threatened others in the area, I hope Judge Revoir will deny bail. It seems quite obvious that Mr. Guzy has serious mental issues and is capable of committing further crimes and/or of fleeing the state.
Thank you for your consideration.
Again, so very, very, sorry, H2O Man, that this awful senseless tragedy has been inflicted upon you and your family.
I can't even begin to imagine the depth of the pain and loss you all must be feeling.