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American Morning

Relatives Grieve Loss of Family Killed by Drunk Police Officer

Aired August 09, 2001 - 10:20   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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to turn our attention now to New York City. That is where grieving relatives are saying good- bye to family members. Those family members were killed in what police are saying is a drunk driving accident. It included a pregnant mother, her 4-year-old son and a 16-year-old, her sister. They were hit and killed as they were crossing the street. A police officer is now charged in connection with those deaths.

Joining us now with more is CNN's Jason Carroll -- Jason, hello.

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

This is such a sad morning for so many people out here, for the victim's family, for the community. Just a little while ago we watched as the caskets were carried into St. Michael's Church here in Brooklyn. We watched as the family members carried the caskets up the stairs into the church, two white caskets, another brown casket carrying Maria Herrera and her baby boy.

A very sad moment. This is a story, Daryn, that has touched so many people in the community. People have been waiting for every development in the story. Last night many folks were paying attention as the most recent development came to light. The mayor and the police commissioner announced the results of a police investigation into the accident.

They found that 17 officers were disciplined for drinking, for failing to properly supervise those who were drinking with Officer Joseph Gray the day of the accident. Gray is accused, as you said, in the DWI accident in which this family was killed.

Hopefully we'll be able to show you some of the pictures of the family. I think that's appropriate at this time. Again, Maria Herrera was killed, her 4-year-old son Andy, her sister, Dilcia Pena and I don't know if we made this clear before, but Maria was eight months pregnant when this accident happened, and after her death, doctors delivered her baby by cesarean section, but that baby did not survive.

Throughout this whole event, the family has been calling for justice and the mayor has said that he is calling for justice, as well. And he says he feels as though this most recent event with these 17 officers being disciplined is a step in the right direction in terms of getting justice. The mayor is expected to arrive here. He is expected to attend this funeral service, as well as a number of other dignitaries throughout the city.

A very sad day, indeed -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jason, of course, as you reported earlier, the city, many people in the city and many family members and community member appalled that Officer Gray was released with no bail, with no bond. When is he next expected to appear in court?

CARROLL: His next court appearance is actually scheduled for tomorrow and earlier this week, Daryn, there was a huge protest in front of Officer Gray's precinct that was organized by the family and the family is actually planning another demonstration tomorrow in front of the courthouse. They want everyone to know how upset they are about this incident.

KAGAN: Jason Carroll in New York. Jason, thank you.

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