MARYLAND
The Baltimore Sun
By Doug Donovan
The Baltimore Sun
A high-ranking official of the national Episcopal Church is calling on the organization to “repent for our role” in the death of bicyclist Thomas Palermo, by examining “systemic denial” about alcohol and drug abuse, and reforming the process for electing bishops.
Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, a leader in the national church’s governing body, said last year’s election of Heather Elizabeth Cook as Maryland’s bishop suffragan — despite a 2010 drunk driving conviction — is the latest example of why many in the organization believe the process is flawed.
Cook, 58, was indicted this month in Baltimore on 13 charges in the death of Palermo, a 41-year-old married father of two. She is accused of hitting Palermo on Dec. 27 with her car as she was texting and driving drunk along Roland Avenue. The charges include automobile manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident.
In 2010 Cook was charged in Caroline County for driving under the influence, and given probation before judgment, which would allow her to clear her criminal record by completing her probation.
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