#sentencing-disparities

#sentencing-disparities

Lee Milne physically and psychologically abused Kimberly Bruce (Milne) and our evidence showed that this abuse was a significant contributing factor in her death. He deliberately and ruthlessly exploited Kimberly's vulnerabilities, which makes him culpable for her decision to end her own life.

The appellate judges repeatedly voiced skepticism over the Manhattan sentencing judge's decision to hold the trial's ample evidence of coercion and force against Combs in sentencing.

Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman expressed her delight at the government's decision, stating that the change is long overdue and acknowledges the years of campaigning led by bereaved families like Tracey Hanson, who sought justice following the tragic death of her son Josh.

The family of Claire Gravel has waited 40 long years for justice. The prosecutors here today, together with our partners in law enforcement, never gave up on Claire's case.

James Broadnax, who is 37, describes how he writes: 'I've been here umpteen days never forgetting To forget the absence of my fate. Sloppy ciphered sentences become rage, Provoking thoughts into words spoken Across this blank page.'

Jason Thompson, a guard at HMP Isis, was suspended as the Metropolitan Police investigated his involvement in smuggling drugs and contraband into the prison. He was sentenced to four years and six months for conspiracy and misconduct.

A detective garda who brutally assaulted his wife in front of their young children walked free from court without a custodial sentence, raising serious concerns about justice.

The high-ranking role comes with a $180,000 to $230,000 salary, the listing states, and "will serve as a trusted advisor to the mayor, first deputy mayor, and the administration's senior leadership on all matters related to the closing of Rikers."

The case against Alexander Villa has long been contested, with troubling questions about how his conviction was secured, including confessions that were later recanted and evidence that appears shaky or missing.

The lawsuit was filed by Deshanae L. Brown, who alleges she was subjected to discrimination based on her race, sex, and disability, citing violations of federal and state laws including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

According to FBI statistics, violent crime in 2024 fell to its lowest level since 1969. The picture appeared even more encouraging in 2025, when the nation's murder rate dropped by roughly 20%, accompanied by declines across other major crime categories.

Nine people have died inside L.A. County jails so far this year, an alarming number for the Sheriff's Department as it continues to face a lawsuit from the state over the conditions in local lockups. Sheriff's Department officials said they are continuing to make changes, hoping to reduce the number of in-custody deaths and care for an inmate population that is increasingly struggling with medical and mental health issues.

Bishop was found guilty on 24 counts of committing lewd acts on three minor victims, all described in court documents as victims under the age of 14. The span of these offenses covers multiple years. Evidence admitted at trial showed that Bishop possessed more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material depicting two of the minor victims.

Spiralling backlogs mean a shocking 29 cases including violent crimes and drug offences have been scheduled to start as far away as 2030, with victims left waiting at least four years to have their day in court. In total, more than 2,600 Crown Court trials are not due to be heard until 2028, including 206 rape trials.

The next "Dying to Stay Here" podcast will feature a panel discussing what we call our criminal justice system. The panel reflected on a recent election in California, where voters were asked, in plain language, whether they wanted to remove slavery from our constitution, where it's still allowed "as punishment for a crime," and voted to keep it. As we celebrate another Black History Month, I reflect on the disproportionate number of Black people behind bars.