Escaped prisoner José Rodriguez's girlfriend, Janell, sat in support of him during a hearing in Bronx court yesterday, and told the Daily News that Rodriguez was only doing what any sane person in custody for a non-fatal shooting would have done. "I don't blame him for trying to escape; I would have done the same thing," she said. What a great way to pick up the ladies! Just tell them you're on the lam for a shooting you (possibly) didn't do. Speed Dating?
Two NYPD officers have been disciplined for failing to keep an eye on Rodriguez. Detective Kenneth Kearns was suspended for 30 days and Sgt. Cornelius Douglas was placed on modified duty. NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly told NY1, "He should have been more closely monitored. He was apparently left alone at a significant distance from the officer who was watching him."
