Death of 7-year-old Jor'Dynn Duncan, Suffolk CPS, government checks

The allegations against Emily Kelly in the death of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan are precisely that, allegations, and under our system of justice, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law [“Suspect is linked with other kids who died,” News, May 24].

We urge the public and members of the media to allow the facts to emerge through the judicial process. Kelly is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the right to present her defense before a jury based upon evidence, not emotion.

Newsday has published multiple stories on this matter, which has contributed to a rush to judgment regarding Kelly. Under the Sixth Amendment, she is constitutionally guaranteed the right to a fair and impartial trial by a jury of her peers. That right is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system, and excessive sensationalism threatens to undermine it.

The public’s interest in this case is understandable given the tragic circumstances involved.

However, public interest must not come at the expense of the fundamental principles that protect every individual accused of a crime.

A fair trial requires patience, objectivity, and respect for due process.

— John H. LoTurco, Esq., Huntington

The writer is a partner at Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea & LoTurco LLP in Huntington and Garden City.

It appears that the facts around the alleged gruesome knife-torture and death of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan once again expose Suffolk County Child Protective Services’ systemic failure to protect innocent children from abuse. Did they learn nothing since the tragic death of 8-year-old Thomas Valva?

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine must ask for the immediate resignation of Department of Social Services Director James Imhoff, who oversees CPS. Without accountability, more innocent children will die.

In addition, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney must launch an immediate full-scale investigation into Suffolk County CPS and the Bayport-Blue Point School District. A full investigation of the bureaucracy that allows such abuse to persist is just as important as any immediate criminal prosecution.

A 7-year-old child missing 40 days of school in one year is a red flag that warrants mandatory reporting to New York State and more than passive acceptance of excuses from foster parents by the school district.

The death of Valva resulted in a $9 million taxpayer settlement. When will Suffolk County learn?

— Troy Rosasco, Saint James

It’s hard to believe that such a horrible thing, the alleged torture and murder of 7-year-old Jor’Dynn Duncan, could happen [“LI lawmakers call for answer in girl’s death,” News, May 27]. Who could be so depraved to do such a thing to this sweet girl?

Answers are certainly required to determine who committed this horrific crime and that person should be arrested, prosecuted and punished regardless of the motives.

— Peter F. Monaco, Ridge

Government checks don’t help in the end

It was nice to see our governor trying to help deal with rising utility costs by providing a $200 payment [“What newly approved $268B NYS budget means,” News, May 29].

However, one day after seeing this notice, PSEG advised that my rate was increasing by $15 a month ($180 total), even though I did not exceed my monthly balance budget. Bottom line, I am saving $20 a year, enough to buy a pizza.

The same situation applies to Social Security increases. The Medicare premium increases and the necessary Medigap coverage also goes up substantially every year, basically negating the Social Security increase.

Governments are attempting to at least negate some of the increases but the bottom line is that we are no better off in the end.

— Richard Greubel, Levittown