Lenue Moore was indicted on Tuesday for the murders of Jackie Billini, Levaughn Harvin, and Billini’s dog Zeus on September 29th. This tragedy serves as yet another example of how New York’s criminal justice “reforms” can lead to the loss of innocent lives.
On the day in question, Moore had the luxury of freedom. This was due to the fact that Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Melissa Lewis had set his bail at a mere $5,000, which only required $500 from Moore. This decision had been made when Moore was charged with a heinous April 11 home invasion, during which he allegedly broke the arm of his victim, Billini, and caused injury to two other individuals.
Natalie Questa, Billini’s daughter, expressed her shock and anger by exclaiming, “That was a f*cking slap in the face.”
Absolutely. The 2019 no-bail law mandates the courts to impose the “least restrictive” conditions on any accused person, which directly led to the slap. Instead of continuing to set higher bail for dangerous criminals, it’s time to consider a different approach. Until the Legislature passed its “reform,” judges in New York routinely directed without a formal directive, although the law never required it.
Prosecutors requested that Moore be held on either $15,000 cash bail or a $30,000 bond for the home invasion. However, under the new bail reform system, Judge Lewis chose a significantly lower amount. This decision was later upheld by Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer.
When Moore returned to the neighborhood, Billini was left feeling unsafe and requested her friend Harvin to accompany her while she walked her dogs. Unfortunately, Moore allegedly fired a dozen shots at his nemesis, resulting in a tragic double murder.
Do the lawmakers who are responsible for this shameful act feel relieved that they have successfully prevented any efforts to reverse their actions? It is a thought worth pondering.
Also Read:
- NOPD Investigating Treme Double Homicide
- Double homicide in New Orleans East claims lives of two teenagers
- Double shooting in Glenville neighborhood leaves 1 dead and 1 injured
