Judge Deems Teen Who Allegedly Killed 4-Year-Old In Crash A Flight Risk
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A bail hearing for a teen accused of hitting and killing a 4-year-old girl with an SUV last year brought an angry outburst from the judge Thursday.
In Manhattan Supreme Court, Judge Gregory Carro tore into defense lawyer Martin Schmukler for coming up with what the judge called a "fantastic story" to explain why Franklin Reyes Jr. has repeatedly been caught driving, even after allegedly killing Ariel Russo in June 2013.
Schmukler said he has a psychological report that should lead to Reyes' release.
The judge called Reyes a severe flight risk who has now fled the authorities three times.
The defense lawyer pushed the judge a bit too far when he said, "Are you telling me if you let him out, you think he'd go straight to LaGuardia Airport?"
Carro shouted back, "Are you honestly questioning me?"
Reyes remains locked up.
Reyes is accused of fatally running down Ariel while fleeing from police on the Upper West Side.
Ariel died after the SUV jumped a curb on Amsterdam Avenue at 97th Street while she was walking to school with her grandmother.
In September, Reyes was arrested again after allegedly dragging and injuring a police officer during a traffic stop.
While jailed days later, the teen complained of chest pains. After being cleared to leave the emergency room, he reportedly ran from authorities while being led back to a Department of Corrections van. He was apprehended 15 minutes later.
He and his father were also charged in June with looting an apartment where the father worked as the superintendent, putting a possible plea deal in jeopardy.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories