MARYLAND
ABC 2
Catherine Hawley
Oct 27, 2015
She used to be the second highest ranking Episcopal Church member in the state diocese, but now Heather Cook is a prison inmate.
The former Episcopal was sentenced Tuesday to serve seven years of a 20-year prison sentence for the accident that caused the death of bicyclist Tom Palermo. A judge ordered the remaining 13 years be suspended.
It was a difficult day for Palermo’s family, who spoke at Cook’s sentencing hearing.
“This tragedy will not define Tom or our family, our resolve is strong as we hold Tom in our hearts,” Palermo’s sister-in-law Alisa Rock said.
They didn’t say much after court, but for two hours inside, Palermo’s family gave emotional and powerful statements, sobbing and asking the judge for a harsh punishment.
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