Rep. Fossella Calls on US Attorney General to Investigate Murder of NYPD Officer

Press Release

Rep. Fossella Calls on US Attorney General to Investigate Murder of NYPD Officer

Congressman Vito Fossella today called on United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to step into the investigation of the murder of NYPD Officer Russel Timoshenko to determine whether jurisdiction exists for a federal prosecution.

If federal jurisdiction is established, a capital case could be brought against the alleged cop killer, Dexter Bostick.

Fossella sent a letter to Gonzalez making the request.

"The brutal murder of Officer Timoshenko has shocked all Americans of conscience and reminded us of the extreme dangers law enforcement officers face every day," Fossella said. "The career criminals who allegedly participated in the cold-blooded murder of Officer Timoshenko showed neither regard for human life nor respect for the men and women who courageously protect our city. Despite the brutality of their crime, the alleged triggerman who pumped two bullets into Officer Timoshenko's face will not face the ultimate punishment if the case is tried in State court.

Fossella said, "I have asked the Attorney General to urge the federal government to aggressively investigate the murder of Officer Timoshenko to determine whether jurisdiction exists for a federal prosecution. I also encourage federal and state law enforcement officials to work together cooperatively during their parallel investigations."

Fossella said there is recent precedent for transferring a cop killer case to the federal courts. Earlier this year, Ronell Wilson was sentenced to death for the 2003 murder of NYPD Detectives James Nemorin and Rodney Andrews. In that case, the federal government proved that the murderer committed several racketeering acts as part of a criminal enterprise, meeting the threshold for federal jurisdiction. Recent news reports suggest similarities may exist regarding those involved in the murder of Officer Timoshenko.

Fossella noted that over the past seven months, more than a dozen New York City police officers have been assaulted doing their jobs while 13 officers in New York State have been killed in the line of duty between 2002 and 2006.

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