Sharpton Tells Community To Watch Accused DWI Cop Case

A few days after a cop was indicted for vehicular manslaughter and DWI for the death of Vionique Valnord, her family appeared with the Reverend Al Sharpton yesterday. NY1 reports that Sharpton told his supporters to monitor Police Officer Andrew Kelly's trial, "It is important this this officer faces justice, so that people understand that the law is the law no matter who breaks the law. You don't get a break. There's no excuse for a policeman to be driving drunk."

Last month, Valnord was trying to hail a cab in Flatbush when a SUV fatally struck her. Driving the car was 30-year-old Kelly, who was off-duty; he stayed at the scene but refused to take a Breathalyzer. Seven hours later, when a blood alcohol test was finally given, Kelly's blood alcohol measured zero; other cops may have tried to help sober him up. Kelly's lawyer claimed that his client tried to save Valnord's life, though there are conflicting accounts.

Yesterday, Valnord's widower Seni Kassime said, "I want justice. The policeman who killed my wife... I want justice."

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By Jen Chung in News on October 18, 2009 9:16 AM

Comments [rss]

Steven

Here comes Al Sharpton again. If a black office killed a white person will we see him? I think not.

marcasm

Is that the real Al, or a cut-out Al ?

macondo

There should also be no excuse for lying on your taxes either but....

Splicer

No one, not the rich nor the powerful, not politicians nor the police, should be above the law in any way. The example to be made in this case should be to follow the letter of the law as it would apply to an average citizen. Whatever the penalty for them in this case should be the penalty for this cop -- no more, no less.

Clarice City

Ugh. I'm agreeing with Al Sharpton. (Must take a shower, now.) At least this time he's not calling it racism....yet. Really hope for the best outcome for the family. Ms.Valnord was one of the good ones.