Nearly 10 Years Later, NYC Cop-Killer Stuck in Legal Limbo
- Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:08pm by
Erica Ritz
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Undated file photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office, via the Associated Press.
(The Blaze/AP) — Ronell Wilson’s arduous legal odyssey began nearly a decade ago when, as young gang member, he was arrested in one of New York City’s most notorious police killings: the point-blank execution of two undercover officers in an illegal gun sting gone awry.
A jury convicted Wilson in federal court in Brooklyn in 2006, then sentenced him to death a few weeks later in 2007. But in 2010, an appeals court tossed out the sentence, meaning a new jury would have to decide his fate.
That won’t happen any time soon, if at all.
The replay of the trial‘s penalty phase has been put off as Wilson’s lawyers seek to convince a judge that he‘s ineligible for the death penalty because he’s mentally disabled. As the case drags on, the Staten Island native once known by the street name “Rated R” is being held in solitary confinement over the objections of his defense team.
“We are concerned for his mental health as he has no contact with his family and friends and no access to his legal materials so that his ability to assist his legal team is compromised,” one of the lawyers wrote in an Aug. 15 letter to the warden at a Brooklyn lockup.
Wilson, now 30, was running with a street gang in 2003 when authorities say the two New York Police Department officers, posing as illegal gun buyers, met with him for what they thought was a deal to buy a Tec-9 submachine gun.
At trial, Wilson denied knowing the victims were police officers – a claim contradicted by an accomplice who testified that he and Wilson decided to rob them after learning they were undercovers carrying cash. Prosecutors said that while sitting in the back seat of an unmarked police car, the defendant shot one officer in the head first and then turned his gun on the other, who pleaded in vain for his life.
In this Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 courtroom sketch, Ronell Wilson appears before a judge in federal court in the Brooklyn borough of New York. (Photo: AP)
In the penalty phase, prosecutors made the case for execution by presenting emotional testimony by the detectives’ widows. The defense countered with anecdotal evidence of Wilson’s troubled background as the son of a crack-addicted mother living with a dozen relatives crammed into an apartment at a crime-infested housing project.
Jurors agreed that Wilson should die by lethal injection. He became the city’s first federal defendant to receive a death sentence since 1954, when it was imposed on a bank robber who killed an FBI agent.
But the appeals court reversed the decision, saying that prosecutors violated Wilson’s constitutional rights by telling the jury his decision to go to trial demonstrated his lack of remorse, and refusal to accept responsibility.
The ruling – now nearly 2 years old – took Wilson off of the federal death row in Terre Haute, Ind., and landed him back in the Brooklyn jail where he’s undergone a battery of psychiatric exams.
He was in the general population there until early August, when he was put in a special housing unit meant for high-risk prisoners. Prison officials said the move was made because of “an internal investigation” but offered no further explanation.
With Wilson languishing behind bars, his lawyers are mounting an argument that he should be spared based on the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court outlawing the execution of mentally disabled offenders.
Wilson’s last public utterances came more than five years ago. At sentencing, he repeated his defense that, “None of us knew these men were cops – period.”
He also took aim at those who considered him unworthy of redemption.
“You still look at me like I’m the lowest thing on earth,” he said. “But it‘s in my heart that I’m sorry.”
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Comments (98)
ktmrider1
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:24pmnice hair. what it be butweat
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:51pmDoomberg’s NY is a gun free zone, Right? How did a mentallly disabled , nappy headed , ganger get a gun permit?
Report Post »NLN
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 6:01pmKinda looks like he might have stuck his finger into a light socket.
Report Post »Totally Domestic
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 9:28pmPickaninny
Report Post »Dallas78865
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 9:02amPersonally, I think he has a great career at MSNBC if he can only beat this rap
Report Post »mattmo79
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 9:49amAgreed, what’s up with that hair?
Report Post »rlimike
Posted on September 3, 2012 at 6:19pmIt looks like he has tarantulas fighting on his head.
Report Post »freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:16pmWilson’s last public utterances came more than five years ago. At sentencing, he repeated his defense that, “None of us knew these men were cops – period.” He also took aim at those who considered him unworthy of redemption. “You still look at me like I’m the lowest thing on earth,” he said. “But it‘s in my heart that I’m sorry.”
Mr. Wilson it is in the “period” portion of your statement where your heart speaks loudest. Murder is lowly. 2 human beings were taken from their families and friends and why? Greed? How is that not lowly? Human life is worth so much more.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 1:03amExactly, does it really matter whether or not he knew they were cops? He killed two people in cold blood- “period”! Whether they were cops or garbage men he KILLED them while they pleaded for their lives. The only reason it matters they were cops (in his eyes) is because it’s a tougher sentence. If he was really remorseful his #1 concern wouldn’t be the technicalities in sentencing!
Report Post »Amarilloan
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 3:12pmWe need to cut this nonsense. A crime is a crime is a crime. It matters not who the victim was, what the perp’s childhood was like, what his IQ is, or what his state of mind was at the point of committing that crime. Punish the criminals. Quit punishing the victims. Better yet, quit confusing the two!
Report Post »christos
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:14pm….What excuse do people have who are for & involved with Killing the Unborn/Abortions Silent Holocaust/Abortion,,,,+JESUS+GOD+ said “Thou Shalt Not Kill” you people who claim your Christians,You Church’s who claim you represent +JESUS+GOD+ you do not,you are lying to yourselves,,,+JESUS+GOD+ said +HE+ would start Judgement in the Churches First this makes perfect sense to me they are Liars claiming they uphold the Bible what their version,,,+JESUS+GOD+ Warned if anyone changed the Bible took away or added to it,that would mean 99% of them,,,but remember they know more that +JESUS+GOD+ & they are College educated & So Smart,they are part of the we know better than you crowd,,,they do not have the Heart of +JESUS+GOD+ they are academia void any Language of the Heart.
Report Post »baney
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 1:30pmThou shalt not kill is not the correct translation from the hebrew text.It is“ Thou shalt not murder” is the correct translation.Before you speak know what you are talking about. about
Report Post »RGB
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:11pmFry him, Dano.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:44pmGood catch. I kinda like a chain hoist and a wood chipper myself.
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 7:50pmGood catch. That reminds me of the James Bond film where Bond (Moore) was being chased on skis in the Alps, and he made the jump over a currently-bieng-plowed road, but his pursuer didn’t .( ‘…watch out where them Huskies go, and don’t you eat that reddish snow…’ )
Report Post »biffo
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 9:32amFeet first so he can watch.
Report Post »freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:09pmWilson’s last public utterances came more than five years ago. At sentencing, he repeated his defense that, “None of us knew these men were cops – period.”
Wonder how he was ever determined to be by anyone, mentally disabled. This statement almost shows he has reasoning skills. “None of us knew these men were cops, period (that’s all).” Rationalizing evil murder of 2 human beings? That in and of itself conveys how this man would once again rationalize evil murder if back in any community.
Report Post »sandy21957
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:36pmHe may be intellectually challenged, but mentally disabled – no. Just because he came from a culture where education and minimum standards of social behavior are not taught or encouraged, does not give him a “pass on bad behavior.” His choices, his consequences. If he doesn’t get the needle, may he have the rest of his life being someone else’s beotch to ponder on his stupidity.
Report Post »freedomisasfreedomdoes
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:59pmWhy does it matter if he KNEW that the 2 men he killed were cops? If the 2 men were hotdog vendors is it somehow less of a felony on both counts? Unless murder is now legal?
Report Post »http://www.ehow.com/info_8359251_felony-murder-charges.html
nobull14
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:59pmI suppose that the tax payer is paying for this ?. This guy was found guilty for 1st degree murder and sentenced to death , He should have been given the needle a long time ago .
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:58pmOh, don’t worry – I am sure that this guy is on obama‘s ’Pardon List’ – just imagine the sort of criminals obama is going to pardon during his last three ‘slash and burn’ months in office!
After obama loses in November, he will launch his most devastating attacks yet on America, and we can expect him to attempt to destroy all that we hold dear – obama is not going to go quietly and gracefully.
Report Post »QuincySmith
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:58pmHis will make billy clinton’s departure seem civil comity-filled.
Report Post »exfire
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:58pmSo that’s what happened to Buckwheat !
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:52pmVan Jones to the rescue?????
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:48pmI didn’t know that mentally disabled people could help their attorneys in their defense.
Sounds like both sides are screwing up. : (
Report Post »straitshot
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:46pmThai’s good, because now he has enough time to get a decent hairstyle before his execution.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:56pmlol, I was thinking the same thing. Good thing my daughter didn’t show up with a nut job looking like this . I would of said “ Hell no ”
Report Post »Ted Zeppelin
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:43pmDemocrats hate unborn humans and kill’em in the womb, but will take pity on a convicted murderer and demand that he or she have rights.
States could make a fortune if they’d set up a new lottery. I’d pay a hundred dollars for a lottery ticket for the chance to excute this man. If you took a human life with a gun, then I get to execute you with my gun.
Wait, I may have spoken in haste. Make the tickets two hundred dollars. I’m in.
Report Post »stumpy68
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:56pmIm in and ill leave my gun in the closet .
Report Post »bikerdogred1
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:43pmIf you can kill a cop,you die,lawyers and judges all they do is tie up the system so everything stops,he killed a cop,he dies as simple as that.
Report Post »Lt_Scrounge
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:36pmAn 8 ft drop at the end of a 4 ft rope would make all of this morons troubles go away. He doesn’t even deny that he murdered them in cold blood. Exactly why is there even a discussion about throwing out this trash? If we stopped the BS with attorneys seeking appeals on one ground after another and just dropped these POS through a trapdoor on a short rope publicly, crime would drop. How many criminals are going to risk a public execution? And how many more crimes will be stopped because the violent criminals are eliminated from the population before they can commit more crimes? In the Sociology class on criminal behavior that I took in the early 80s it was already known that 75% of violent crime was being committed by only 25% of the criminals. Under those numbers, the surest way to reduce violent crime is to reduce the number of violent criminals. A good strong hemp (have to toss the green wienie libs a bone) rope tied into a noose and placed around the neck and tightened with a few hundred foot pounds of force will work wonders towards insuring that the criminal becomes a good solid upstanding (or at least lying down) member of society, never to commit another crime.
Report Post »myway
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:36pmI like the pig tails, makes him a nice prison B-tch doing the limbo.
Report Post »TJexcite
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:30pmThey can always find room in Florence Colorado for those who if not smart enough to pass a IQ test them but smart enough to kill.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:39pmHuckabee and Barber would have already set him free.
Report Post »Kelly Henderson
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:45pmAccording to eric holder this man is smart enough to become a police officer.
Report Post »fuzzy20841
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:27pmOff wit his head!!! Off wit his head!!! Off wit his head!!! Off wit his head!!!
Report Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:24pmhe murdered human beings while he was involved in murderous activitys….why is his life important to society……
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:31pmIt’s not. In a truly civilized society, he would have already been executed.
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:23pmSeriously? Waste more of the taxpayer’s money….right? POS needs to disappear 6 ft under!!!!
Report Post »rtaylor174
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:22pmHe killed the cops and was found guilty. Smoke him!
Report Post »Small World
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:20pmIf Obama had a son he would look like that. Maybe they should use the race card and just blame Bush.
Report Post »armyofnibiru
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:20pmhis only lament is they were undercover cops?? no remorse for the killings,just they were cops.he could murder hundreds of people without remorse as long as we’re not cops !!!!!! brake out old sparky for this clown.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:13pmWhy should it matter more if they were cops? Human life is human life, there should be no “class distinctions” on murder, no extra penalties for killing a government human being than a non-government human being. Throw the book at these turds, but don‘t let’s play the game of “these people’s lives are more important than you lowly serfs”.
Report Post »StopLyingToMe
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:21pmGhost, that’s exactly my reaction to this story. As with “hate crimes,” what does it matter? Murder is murder.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:24pmSame with hate crimes.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 5:11pmCrimes against cops are treated as more serious than crimes against you and me because they are acting as representatives of the law and an attack on them is viewed as an attack on society in general as well as on a specific person. Of course if this principle were logically and consistently applied, then crimes by cops should be treated as more serious than crimes committed by you or me for the same reasons, but it never seems to work out that way.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 8:17pmSorry Chet, I carry a firearm and act as my own representative. Furthermore, other occupations are far more dangerous than police officer. Codified “classes” that give preference to government agents are nothing more than revolting in a nation that regards rule of law and EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW as paramount.
All murder is wrong, period, full stop. All murder is heinous. All murder must see the murderer punished as fully as possible, no exceptions, no class distinctions.
Any questions?
Report Post »grimmster
Posted on September 1, 2012 at 4:13pmWhy do i have a feeling eric holder is involved in this? Just put this cop killin pos to death already……
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