Quarter Century Later, Conviction in James Hawkins’ Murder
Nearly six years after he was arrested in the case, a Manhattan jury convicted Gordon Francis on a single count of second-degree murder in the 1993 killing of James Hawkins.
Nearly six years after he was arrested in the case, a Manhattan jury convicted Gordon Francis on a single count of second-degree murder in the 1993 killing of James Hawkins.
“Cold cases should never become forgotten cases. As forensic science accelerates forward, law enforcement has new opportunities to ensure that previously unresolved cases are examined with the same care and technology as newer cases.”
“When law enforcement officers commit this kind of misconduct, they not only undermine the integrity, credibility, and progress of the justice system; they also drive a wedge between our offices and the citizens we are sworn to protect. “
A Queens cop who lied about a 2014 gun possession arrest in Washington Heights was sentenced Wednesday to 60 days in jail.
“Law enforcement does its best work when we have the confidence and collaboration of the communities we serve,” said District Attorney Vance. “As alleged in this case, this Officer was willing to traffic dangerous narcotics in the city he is sworn to protect for a few thousand dollars, and to steal evidence from his own precinct for a bottle of scotch. These alleged acts threaten the credibility of the entire law enforcement community, and with it, the safety of our great city.”