Prosecutors sought Wednesday to dismiss criminal charges against four of Danroy Henry's teammates, who were taken into custody after the youth was killed by a policeman on Oct. 17th.
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The four young Pace University students who stand accused are Joseph Garcia (above, pictured center left), Yves Delpeche (above, pictured far right), Daniel Parker (above, pictured left) and Joseph Romanick (above, pictured center right), who faces the felony charge.
In a motion that was filed with the Mount Pleasant, N.Y., town court, Westchester County District Attorney (DA) Janet DiFiore wrote, regarding the disorderly conduct, obstruction misdemeanors and criminal mischief charges, "the convictions of these four defendants...
in this matter, would not serve the ends of justice."
DiFiore went on to point out in the motion that the reactions of the teammates to the shooting of Henry was mere impulse and certainly not injurious to anyone. She stated that the young men's conduct "was derived from impulsive and youthful visceral reactions to the sudden, unexpected shooting of their friend." The DA cited their ages, status as students at Pace and lack of prior criminal records in the dismissal of the charges.
The teammates' next court appearance is scheduled for March 24th, and at that time, the charges are expected to be formally dismissed against them.
Pace University said in a statement Wednesday that it was pleased with the decision by the Westchester County district attorney to dismiss the charges against the men. Three of them still attend Pace, and Garcia graduated in December.
Last month, a grand jury declined to indict the police officers who were involved in the fatal shooting of Henry, 20.
The shooting occurred after police officers, who responded to a call about a brawl outside a popular college bar, spotted Henry sitting inside his parked car. The youth's vehicle was positioned in a fire lane.
Reportedly, Officer Aaron Hess tapped on Henry's driver's-side window. Henry was accused of attempting to drive away, and in the process, Hess ricocheted on to the car's hood and then fired at the youth through the windshield.
Justice has been served as far as Henry's teammates are concerned. The boys were only trying to help their dying friend in the midst of total madness and were unjustly accused of the misdemeanors that they face.
The young college students did not have prior criminal records and have been law-abiding citizens. Thankfully, they will not face any further criminal prosecution, and hopefully, their records can be expunged as well. They are ALL deserving of a clean slate!