Widow Of Slain Philadelphia Cop Demands Answers After Transfer Of Husband's Killer
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The transfer of convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal from death row to a medium security prison in Schuylkill County has raised questions from the officer's widow.
But a representative of Pennsylvania's department of corrections has told Philadelphia's district attorney that Abu-Jamal is getting no special treatment.
Abu-Jamal was removed from death row and transferred to the Mahanoy medium security prison in Frackville, Pa., after the DA announced earlier this month that he would end efforts to have the convicted cop killer executed (see related story).
Maureen Faulkner (right), widow of slain officer Daniel Faulkner, has vowed to fight to prevent any special treatment for Abu-Jamal, and contacted DA Seth Williams.
"Maureen Faulkner was of course concerned when she first heard the news, and I told her we were going to find out exactly how the defendant was classified, where the inmate is, what the restrictions are," Williams said today.
A corrections department spokeswoman wouldn't discuss the specifics of Abu-Jamal's case with KYW Newsradio, but generally explained that a transfer from death row to the general prison population would give an inmate more opportunity to be out of his cell for opportunities including classes, work within the prison, and exercise.
But she says it is still a secure facility.
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