Justice System lets Sean Bells fiance down

By: Jamila Pringle
College Press Staff Writer


"Every march, every rally, I'm going to be right up front," Nicole Paultre Bell said through streams of tears. She spoke in response to the freeing of three detectives accused of shooting her soon-to-be husband, Sean Bell,  50 times on the day of their wedding.

He died soon afterward.

Detectives Marc Cooper, Arthur Copperman , and Michael Oliver were cleared of all indictments: manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and assault charges. The announcement caused an uproa among crowds of people standing outside the courtroom Friday. The judge decided that because the two prosecution witnesses had a record of violence, and their demeanor proved to be a bit shoddy, they were unable to prove their case.

"The justice system let me down," Sean Bell's fiancé said clearly enough for all to feel and understand. "I'm still praying for justice, because it's not over.  It's far from over.  It has just started."

Al Sharpton, an avid civil rights leader,  stood by the Bell family in the midst of this tumultuous time. He said he will push to have the city closed down in response to the lack of justice served for an innocent man. "This city is going to deal with the blood of Sean Bell," Sharpton said.

This week a day  will be determined for closing the city down completely.  This action will force the city to realize that even police are not above the law.