MARYLAND
The Baltimore Sun
By Colin Campbell
The Baltimore Sun
Episcopal Bishop Heather Elizabeth Cook was indicted on 13 charges Wednesday in the death December of cyclist Thomas Palermo in North Roland Park, the Baltimore state’s attorney’s office announced.
Cook, 58, the second-ranking official in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, is accused of striking Palermo on Dec. 27 with her car as she was texting and driving drunk. The charges include automobile manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident.
The indictment came nearly a month after State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby announced charges against Cook. Cook has been free on bail while awaiting trial; she is scheduled for arraignment March 5.
Authorities say Palermo, 41, was riding in the bicycle lane on Roland Avenue when he was struck. Witnesses said Cook initially left the scene before returning. Police said she registered a 0.22 percent blood-alcohol content level.
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