WPCNR WHITE PLAINS GUEST EDITORIAL. March 21, 2004: Don Scott, a Philadelphia police officer, writes WPCNR expressing shock and incredulity over the Judge Kenneth Lange decision clearing Pia Steffanelli of all charges in the shooting death in White Plains of Philadelphia policeman Jeffrey Troebs in a case completed last week. Here is the text of Officer Scott's letter:
Dear Mr. Bailey:
Have you been following the Pia Steffanelli murder trial presided over by the Honorable Kenneth Lange. This case stinks to high heavens. Rich Leibson from the Journal covered the case. How Judge Lange reached his verdict is beyond me. He must be off his rocker!
Ms. Steffanelli, whether intentionally or not, is responsible for the death of Jeff Troebs, who was shot in the back of the head, at close range. Ms. Steffanelli was an NRA certified firearms instructor. (1993) This was not a case of someone not knowing how to handle a weapon safely. The Judge said that he was bound by the same rules when making a decision, the same rules as a Jury, beyond a reasonable doubt. The key word here being reasonable.
Martians did not enter the Steffanelli apartment and shot Mr. Troebs. Is not the Judge bound by common sense as well? What was even more appalling to me was not so much as a word of admonishment from the Judge to the defendant after the verdict was read.
The close to fifty Philadelphia Police Officers who attended the closing arguments were shocked at the Judge's verdict. What are the consequences of Ms. Steffanelli's actions?
How does the Judge reconcile the forensic evidence that showed the shooting did not occur they way Ms. Steffanelli claims, as well as the misstatements and deception in her Grand Jury testimony. What the Judge said in essence was, just try to be more careful next time you're standing behind someone with a loaded gun. What a disgrace, she has gotten off "Scot Free."
I have been a police officer in Philadelphia for nearly thirty years. I have never been a witness to such a disgraceful exercise of Judicial authority as what I witnessed in court last Thursday. I hope for the sake of the citizens of White Plains, that Judge Lange's anticipated retirement from the bench comes swiftly.
I hope there is some sort of Judicial review of this case and the Judge's decision, for in my opinion this case needs to be thoroughly looked at. Maybe some of your readers can weigh in on the matter. It would be interesting to see how some of them viewed the outcome of this case.
Sincerely,
Donald Scott
