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CNN Live Today

In New York City, Funeral Held for Family Killed By Drunken Police Officer

Aired August 09, 2001 - 12:25   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: In New York City, a funeral mass has just ended for four members of one family. They were killed Saturday night, crossing a street -- hit, police say, by a drunk driver who, as it turns out, was a fellow officer. He's been charged in the case.

Outside that church is CNN's Jason Carroll, who joins us live -- Jason.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Leon, just a little while ago, we spoke to one of the victims' cousins who told us when she was inside the service, she just didn't know who to pray for, because there were so many victims here. And I think that really exemplifies how a lot of people feel out here today.

Why don't you take a look at what we saw just about an hour ago, when the caskets from the family member were brought out. It was a very emotional moment for everyone who was involved. We are told that the service was very comforting for those who were allowed inside. A priest from the Dominican Republic came up to offer his services.

There are a lot of people out here who were obviously focusing on what's happening here today, with the funeral services, but also, a lot of folks are keeping their eye on what happened last night, and that's when Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the police commissioner came out with the results of the police investigation into this accident. Seventeen officers were disciplined for drinking, or failing to properly supervise those who were drinking, with Officer Joseph Gray. As you know, Officer Gray is the one who was involved in this DWI accident where this family was killed.

To give respect to the family, we want to show you some of their pictures now, so you can see the faces of the people who everyone came out today to mourn. First we have Maria Herrera and her four-year-old son Andy. Then we also have Dilcia Pena; that is Herrera's sister.

It was definitely just an emotional moment for everyone out here who was involved -- Leon.

HARRIS: Thank you very much, Jason Carroll, reporting live from that funeral in New York.

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