Update: Road Rage (important)
Last edited Tue Dec 2, 2014, 01:27 PM - Edit history (1)
Last week, I asked the DU community to contact the Chenango County District Attorney’s Office, to express opposition to John Guzy being granted bail. This is the man who, on October 27, shot my cousin and his son, in a fit of “road rage.” Guzy, a retired NYC cop, was employed as a part-time deputy at the Sheriff’s Department at the time.
On Friday, December 5, there is a court hearing in which Guzy’s attorney will ask that bail be set. Under NYS law, a judge can set bail, but does not have to if there are strong reasons not to. If ever there was a case in which a person should be denied bail, this is it. Indeed, both the DA and police think that this case could spark a change in the law that allows the John Guzys to be considered appropriate candidates for bail.
This morning, I was told by a source very close to the prosecution of the case that the DA’s office has had an unprecedented public outcry, demanding that bail be denied. This is due to the good people who are part of the DU community. A lead investigator on the case said that the DA’s office has been “overwhelmed” with the number of letters and e-mails, and extremely impressed with their quality. He requested that we now send those same messages to the Judge’s clerk.
Typically, such messages are appropriately sent to the DA, who then informs the judge of the general responses. This case, however, is not typical. It is important that the judge hearing the case be fully aware of the public opinion. More, we have identified one exception to the state law that prohibit’s a judge from reading a letter. If the opening sentence of the letter begins with, “As a (family member, friend of the family, concerned citizen, etc), I want Judge Frank Revoir to hear my voice before deciding if John Guzy should be granted bail,” he is allowed to read it.
There are four primary reasons that the Court can use to determine to not grant bail. These include:
[1] The viciousness of the crime: Guzy was furious that the car ahead of him was traveling at the speed limit. As a result, he shot and seriously wounded Derek Prindle, age 60, a passenger in the vehicle; and shot and killed Derek Dylan Prindle, 26, the driver. Derek Dylan died in his father’s arms, before an ambulance reached the scene of the crime.
[2] Guzy threatened to kill both men. In fact, while Derek attempted to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to his dying son, Guzy slammed his handgun into the back of Prindle’s head, and pulled the trigger. The bullet jammed in the chamber. Guzy’s home is located a few miles from Derek Prindle’s, and the entire Prindle family is afraid of what Guzy might do if released.
[3] Guzy has threatened other community members in recent months. The police and DA are aware of his having at least two other “road rage” incidents, including one where he threatened to kill another driver. More, this summer, he became angry when two kids were riding “four-wheelers” (on their parent’s property). He fired his gun in their general direction.. Their parents called the police. Guzy claimed that he was merely “target-practicing” on his property. We know exactly what he was “practicing,” and what he is fully capable of.
[4] Guzy presents a flight risk. Last night, my youngest daughter, a high school student, summed it up very well -- if he has the resources to make bail, he has the resources to leave this area. He knows he is facing a life sentence, and has nothing to lose. Even if he got caught, what can the court do? Add years onto a life sentence?
Derek’s 86- year old father, a WW2 veteran, has taken him to the doctor’s today, as the bullet wound he suffered on that terrible day became infected. Having had the DA inform him yesterday that the Judge is considering actually setting bail on Friday has re-victimized my family. The past 24 hours have been hell. Derek called me early this morning, to let me know he wouldn’t be home (we are in contact every day, and I visit him most every day). A few minutes after we got off the phone, he called back to remind me to express his thanks to all of you for your support.
By nature, I do not like to ask for help. And asking twice is way more difficult. But I am asking that, if possible, you please send an e-mail to the Chenango County Court Clerk, asking that bail be denied to John Guzy on Friday. I hope that you know how much your help means to me.
I’ve got a full schedule between now and Friday’s court hearing. So, if not before then, I will definitely be updating you on how it went on Friday afternoon.
Peace,
Pat
Link to Court Clerk: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/6jd/chenango/county.shtml
= new reply since forum marked as read
Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
Contact Us
District Office
31 Lewis Street - 5th Floor
Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-240-5350
Fax: 212-295-4927
E-Mail: 6jd-res@nycourts.gov
Like you, I am unsure of the correct email, so I intend to use both. Hopefully someone who knows will update those of us who don't. 
This kind of viciousness cannot be treated lightly. 
I will be back, promise.
My sympathy to you & your family. 
I will, Pat
Just change it enough so it doesn't seem like a form letter but sure, go for it!
Altered and sent. We drive in NY State every summer.
I'm in Westchester County on the Hudson River
I hope many DUers will respond positively to your post, and send those much-needed emails, my dear H20 Man.
Snail mail would be too slow from LA to get there by Friday.
Here's the fax number again if anyone needs it. 917-522-3477
It feels good to accomplish something so worthy on my lunch break.
My opinion: terrorists should not be set free to terrorize.
Guzy proved his murderous rage issues when he murdered. To let him out would be to endanger anyone with whom he comes in contact, anyone in the community, even the judge.
K&R and will write something.
clearly the man needs to remain behind bars. that bail would even be considered in this case is insulting. All the best to your family, and I'll be looking for the update.
I remember when my daughter was killed. The stress level associated with court appearances was off the charts; it defies expression, i can only say that i went more than a little crazy for days before every court date. there is such an abiding need for justice, and it is so often denied. and the rage and the grief and the pain all so immediate.
the man who did this to your family should never see the light of day again. sadly he's too old to sacrifice all the years he cost your cousin, and nothing anyone can do will bring your cousin back. it's so hard, and so wrong. 
K & R 
I felt reading your post. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Should have arrived by now from L.A.
Keeping this kicked for a positive outcome which I think is inevitable.
Hang on, H20 Man - WE'RE WITH YOU!
... no matter how many times it takes to keep that lunatic behind bars, and your family feeling safe. Hugs to you and your family. Be strong. 
Again, so very, very, sorry, H2O Man, that this awful senseless tragedy has been inflicted upon you and your family.
I can't even begin to imagine the depth of the pain and loss you all must be feeling.