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Bishop Heather Cook indicted in Thomas Palermo death
By Saliqa Khan
WBAL
February 4, 2015
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/bishop-heather-cook-indicted-in-thomas-palermo-death/31094024
[with video]
BALTIMORE —Bishop Heather Cook has been indicted on 13 charges for her alleged role in the death of Baltimore cyclist Thomas Palermo.
The Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City released the grand jury indictment Wednesday afternoon.
This is a normal step in this process. Cook was initially charged by police. Now a grand jury has issued an indictment, a reflection of how serious the charges are:
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Automobile manslaughter
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Manslaughter by vehicle or vessel -- criminally negligent homicide
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Homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, per se
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Homicide by motor vehicle while impaired
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Failure to stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident and failure to remain at scene of the accident that might result in death
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Failure to stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident and failure to remain at scene of the accident that might result in serious bodily injury
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Driving while under the influence of alcohol
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Driving while under the influence of alcohol, per se
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Driving while impaired
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Texting while driving during an accident that results in death or serious bodily injury
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Texting while driving
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Reckless driving
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Negligent driving
Palermo, 41, was fatally struck on the 5700 block of Roland Avenue on Dec. 27. Cook's alleged blood alcohol level was .22, nearly three times the legal limit.
Cook managed to bail out of the women's detention center. She's now undergoing in-patient alcohol treatment in Harford County.
Last week, the Episcopal Church asked Cook to resign from her position as bishop. The church said it has received no response.
The Palermo family issued a statement thanking prosecutors for taking the case seriously and said that they are taking things day by day.
The bishop will have to be back in court next month for arraignment.
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