Wakefield News

DeJA VU? Sharpton demands investigation into fatal police shooting

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:12:15 PST

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 14- More than two dozen clergy members from across the city joined Reverend Al Sharpton as he stood with family members of Ramarley Graham, the Wakefield teen shot dead by an NYPD officer, outside Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson's office demanding an investigation surrounding the shooting and information on the officers involved.

During the demonstration held outside Johnson's office on Feb. 13, Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, stood side by side with Frank Graham, the boy's father, and William Bell, the father of Sean Bell, who was shot dead by police in Queens in 2006.

Graham, 18, was shot dead by an officer's bullet, inside the bathroom of his home on East 229th Street at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. A bag of marijuana was reportedly discovered in the toilet but Graham was unarmed during the incident.

In the brief initial statement made by the NYPD in the days after the shooting, the department stated, "Police observed a male on White Plains Road... when police approached, the individual fled into 749 E. 229th Street. Police pursued the individual into the location, where a struggle occurred on the second floor. One shot was fired by police, striking the individual in the torso."

The young man was rushed to Montefiore Hospital North on East 233rd Street, where he died a short time later.

Sharpton would tell reporters, "The attorneys revealed a tape that dispels the myth that his son was running into the house. Even if he was, you don't run behind him and break the door down and shoot him." The video shows a patrolman kicking in the front door to the home.

Speaking of the NYPD, Sharpton stated, "The code of silence must be broken," before vowing, "to do what is necessary to have an escalation of dialog because the city has to deal with this death and justice for this family."

Sharpton, who maintains that Graham was shot dead in the bathroom of the home in front of the young man's grandmother and 6-year-old brother, says the family's attorneys are calling on the Bronx District Attorney to conduct an investigation, but are also calling on the U.S. Attorney to conduct an independent investigation. Sharpton is also calling for the release of additional information on the shooting, the names of the officers involved, and their backgrounds.

After several other speakers, Sharpton again took to the microphones, adding, "This case will be the case that we can determine where this city is going. We intend to stand with this family, and it's unthinkable to me that a young man could be killed in the bathroom of his own house. They had no regard for his family members or a child being traumatized, and no regard for his grandmother who they held and questioned. This level of insensitivity calls for citywide reaction."

Taking questions from reporters, Sharpton then stated, "I think it's very significant that they (officers) not only seemed casual, but that police, without any call for backup, without any calls that there's a problem, would literally break into the house... then enter the apartment and then kill somebody."

Explaining his feelings after seeing the video obtained by the Graham family attorneys and released to the media, Sharpton stated, "This appears to be some premeditated thought that we'll just go ahead anyhow and not even consider the rights of any of the people."

Reacting to a comment by Johnson stating that his office would not be pressured into an investigation, Sharpton told reporters, "No one is trying to pressure anyone."

Asked about the changes that have been implemented since the shooting of Amadou Diallo a decade earlier during the then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani administration and the current Michael Bloomberg era, Sharpton replied, "The difference is the attitude, but the results are the same. We don't need to be treated better in conversation if it doesn't translate to the police at the bottom."

The two officers involved, who have been identified in published reports, have been placed on administrative duty pending the NYPD investigation.

The NYPD is also dealing with another disturbing video, the January 26 beating of Jateik Reed, 19, which shows the young man on the ground as a patrolman from the 42nd Precinct is seen kicking him several times in the face. The four officers in that case have also been placed on restricted duty.

The two cases come on the heels of a decision by the Manhattan District Attorney's office to not proceed with the prosecution of Greg Kelly, the 'Good Day New York' co-host and son of NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who was accused of rape, due to inconsistency's in the woman's story.

Many political insiders say Kelly remains a frontrunner to replace Bloomberg when he leaves office at the end of next year.

The NYPD had no immediate reply to Sharpton's comments and the Bronx District Attorney's office was closed for Presidents Day.

Wakefield News: A visit with Commissioner Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:59:54 PST

Wakefield News: A visit with Commissioner Kelly: Wakefield Area News By Mary V. Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 13- The media was gathered outside Holy Rosary Church auditorium on Adee Avenue ...

A visit with Commissioner Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:59:16 PST

Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 13- The media was gathered outside Holy Rosary Church auditorium on Adee Avenue waiting for their prey. Street lights and passing autos spotlighted their presence. TV cameras were at the ready, their crews racing about as if whatever was going to happen was going to happen momentarily. Uniformed police moved among them. Some stood sentinel near the entrance to the auditorium; even so, projecting an aura of anticipation.

It was 8 p.m., Wednesday night, February 8th. Inside the auditorium the 47^th Precinct Community Council was about to meet. Word had gotten out that NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly would be present to discuss the tragic case of the unarmed young man, Ramarly Graham, a member of our community, who had been shot by police.

Members of the Council wanted answers. But generally they were wary of the outsiders who had come into the community to protest and to march with the seeming purpose of indicting the entire police department in a conspiracy to kill as many black youth as possible.

The 47^th Precinct Community Council is one of the most exciting meetings in the community. It takes place once a month at different locations in the 47^th Precinct. Its president is an extraordinary woman, Elizabeth Gill. This particular evening she was faced with a 225 seat auditorium filled to capacity with not only the usual members, but with strangers whose motives were not entirely clear. Indignation and anger are sometimes the veneer of demagoguery.

Those of our community who rose to speak expressed justifiable anger and fear for our black youth who are more readily stopped and frisked than those of other races. Some strangers screamed and squeaked their venom at the police brushing them all with evil intent. But Ms. Gill, with her three minute egg timer, held them all to the minute.

Commissioner Kelly could not attend. The media outside was sorely disappointed. In his place stood Chief Gomez, Bronx Borough Commander who expressed his sorrow and condolences to the family of Ramarly Graham. He explained that until the ongoing investigation was completed, nothing further could be added to the shooting.

From what we do know, we have already expressed our opinion that the shooting was a goof-up, a major goof-up, on the part of the officer who shot the young man. Some recent reports seem in indicate the officer was not properly trained.

While that is true, there is another truism we must face that has nothing to do with the young man, but has to do with the police. Crime is on the rise. Added to that, according to the 2011 statistics, the 47^th Precinct, which has been chronically under staffed, is the most violent in the Bronx. It is with disgust that we learned the 47^th did not receive a single officer from the 1500 new graduates of the Police Academy

Because of this, Ms. Gill, Claris Skerrit, the vice president of the Council and this writer met with Commissioner Kelly to make sure he understood conditions in the 47th. That meeting took place on February 3rd.

Commissioner Kelly is a very gracious person. He was involved with all his Chiefs and other brass in regard, we believe, to the Ramarly Graham shooting. In any case, he introduced us to the gathering among whom there were many known and friendly faces. After that he brought us into his office, a large room, where a table was finely set for coffee reminiscent of afternoon tea in our finest hotels in times gone by.

With so many pressures upon him, he sat calmly listening to our complaints. He said that shortly there would be a realignment and reassessment of police assignments. He also promised to send us information we have had problems obtaining. Good to his word. Ms. Gill had the information before the day ended. Before we left he gave each of us two gifts.

Fine man. Good experience. But will it get us more officers? Which we sorely need? Time will tell.

Finally the League is meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight, February 16 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 4395 Byron Avenue. Bronx District Attorney, Robert Johnson, is guest speaker. Everyone is invited.

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noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:21:52 PST

(Photo by Robert Press)

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 6- On Friday afternoon New York City Police on duty in the Wakefield area on White Plains Road spotted local teen Ramarley Graham and thought that he might have a concealed weapon on him by the movements of the teen. One report is that police yelled to the Ramarley to stop as he was entering his home on West 229th Street. When he closed the front door behind him police arriving at the home began banging on the door and were let in by a ground floor tenant. Police then rushed to the second floor apartment of the teen breaking the door in and two officers entered the apartment. Seeing the teen heading to the bathroom one officer is said to have yelled “GUN-GUN,” and the other officer fired what would be the one fatal shot as Ramarley Graham was later pronounced dead at Montefiore Hospital.

In a press conference later on Friday Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said about the shooting that no gun was found, only a bag of marijuana in the toilet of the bathroom. Commissioner Kelly added that the officer who did the shooting and his sergeant have been placed on modified duty.

On Saturday February 4th local elected officials and the Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson held a closed public meeting at Community Board 12 on White Plains Road one block from the shooting. The meeting was open to the public, but members of the press were barred from the meeting in what Assemblyman Carl Heastie would say later that he did not want to create a media circus.

After the meeting Assemblyman Heastie came outside to take questions from the reporters that were assembled. Heastie answered questions by saying that the police were forthcoming with their answers to the questions from the people, there is an investigation by the DA and police Department, and Heastie added that maybe more sensitivity training is needed not going into any details on what the police department might do. Heastie added that there are many concerns by residents that this could happen again in the community.

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Wakefield News: Is goof-up murder?

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:14:53 PST

Wakefield News: Is goof-up murder?: Wakefield Area News By Mary V. Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 6- Patricia Hartly had not a care in the world when the door banged op...

Is goof-up murder?

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:13:57 PST

Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, Feb. 6- Patricia Hartly had not a care in the world when the door banged open and her grandson, 18-year-old Ramarly Graham, came running and agitated into the house. Before she could ask what was wrong she heard police at the door. Then she heard them crash through the door. When they entered, her grandson ran into the toilet. The police followed him. They yelled something. Then a shot was fired. Her grandson fell. She looked down. She saw blood pouring out of his chest. What was happening? How could it be? A moment before he had the future in front of him. She thought she would lose her mind. She heard the ambulance siren stop in front of her house. They carried out her grandson while the police searched her house for something. What? They had already removed what was most precious to her. Later she learned her grandson had died and that the police thought he was dealing drugs. They also thought he had a gun, but they found none nor did they find a stash of pot.

Meanwhile at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, Officer Kennan Brennan was rejoicing over a letter he received from Giants' Coach Coughlin. He was happily and miraculously alive after having a bullet removed from his brain. The bullet was fired into his brain by a perp named Baby Ortiz. Officer Kennan was following "Baby"( Luis Ortiz) who had a history of criminal activity and a number of arrests into a hallway when Ortiz turned around and fired directly into his head. It did not look good for Officer Kennan. Had he died he would have left behind a devastated young wife and a fatherless child.
The scenario of Baby Ortiz turning around and firing at Officer Brennan is every officer's nightmare. Whenever a surveillance or chase begins, the officer faces the possibility of a gun in the perpetrator's possession. It is not an unreasonable fear given the probability that every criminal wants a gun if not to intimidate a victim, at least to leave earth taking an officer with him.
It is interesting that when Baby Ortiz was arraigned his family and a sizable number of friends screamed their love and support for him as if he were a hero and he, without shame, responded as if he had graduated cum laude. At that time Officer Brennan's life was hanging in balance. Yet neither Ortiz nor his supporters expressed any sorrow for the grief that had been thrust upon Brennan's family.
In the equally sad case of young Ramaley Graham, all of the facts are not yet known. The case is still being studied as to why the teenager was shot. Statements made by Commissioner Ray Kelly and Bronx Borough Commander, Chief Carlos Gomez, while couched in terms of “all the facts not in yet” seem to indicate that either a terrible and deadly goof was committed by the officer who fired or that the explanation is not one that will sit well with the public. Five officers were present. It seems that when the young man was in the toilet with his back towards them, they repeatedly asked him to show his hands so they could ascertain he was not holding a gun. When he did not show his hands one officer fired.
Police have made goofs before. It is not known whether training can guarantee a police force which never goofs, but our 47^th Precinct does not deserve the contumely it is receiving from a group that identifies itself with the Wall Street Occupiers. This group has been marching from the victim's home to the precinct and protesting there. Residents say they are calling our police murderers!
To his credit, Assemblyman Carl Heastie called a special meeting for community and elected officials on Saturday, February 4^th at CB 12. Chief Gomez was present to give as many facts on the case currently available after which comments and questions were asked. One comment which is often voiced in the community is why so many black youths are the targets of the stop and frisk policy of the police. While this question may be of significance in other parts of the city, in the 47^th that question defies logic. Census figures show that there are only 10 percent whites in the 47^th. The majority are black and Hispanic. Most of the whites live in Woodlawn which is an Irish oriented neighborhood. They complain that the police only stop Irish youths.

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Wakefield News: Same old story

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:24:03 PST

Wakefield News: Same old story: Wakefield Area News By Mary V. Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 30- Homeowners in Wakefield are puzzled and spitting mad again. They have receiv...

Same old story

noreply@blogger.com (Got a tip?) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:23:04 PST

Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, Jan. 30- Homeowners in Wakefield are puzzled and spitting mad again. They have received their new tax assessments for the property they own. It brings to mind an old 60s song which we paraphrase. “It's still the same old story, a fight for all our money. A case of do or die.”

It boggles the mind to wonder how the Department of Finance (DOF), which is the responsible agency, could decide the Market Value of a 100-year-old clapboard house which needs much repair both inside and outside is $400,000. But if one considers that Real Estate tax is essentially determined by how much money the city needs to balance its budget one understands that fairness and logic have nothing to do with it. With the general economy in tatters, the city's return on income and other business taxes leaves a huge deficit. It tries to makes up the difference by nickeling and diming us and finally taxing homeowners.

Both the Mayor and the City Council are complicit in this. It is the City Council's yearly duty to determine the rate at which a house's Assessed Value is taxed. We refer here only to Class One properties (one, two and three-family homes). At this time that rate is unknown. When available, multiplying that rate by the Assessed Value of the property results in the amount of tax to be paid.

Back, now, to that century old clapboard house. According to the DOF the Market Value of a house is generally based on the recent sale of similar houses. (Please note that “generally” does not mean “always.” It may be that sometimes Market Value is based on thin air.) Even so, the tax^, is not based on Market Value. It is based on the Assessed Value.

But how is the Assessed Value determined? Here is where it begins to get tricky. The rules are set by New York State Law. For Class One houses the Assessed Value cannot be more than six percent of the Market Value. (Keep your eye on this.) It cannot rise more than six percent each year and no more than 20 percent in five years.

Obviously, if one owns an older house, because of the rising real value of houses this past quarter century, the Assessed Value of the older house is way below six percent. (It is in the area of 2-3 percent.) So, even if the Market Value drops because of the financial crisis, the City still wants to take advantage of the six percent yearly increase it can legally take! In fact, the city will do anything it can to raise the Assessed Value on a house to six percent. We believe this includes overstating Market Values. In one case we had in evidence, even though the market value had dropped, the Assessed Value increased so that the rate rose from 3.5 percent of the market value to 3.9 percent.

This is why so many protests with the NYC Tax Commission are invalidated. Pretend that you protested because real estate agents had told you that your 100-year-old clapboard house was only worth $257,00 in the real world while the DOF said your Market Value was $397,000 with an Assessed Value $15,436. If you multiply 257,000 by six percent you will find your Assessed Value is still $15,436! Your tax would remain the same. In fact, if you wish to find out what your house is really worth, you can find out by multiplying the Assessed Value by 16.667.