Accused Cop-Killer Arraigned

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The New York Sun

Nearly 100 police officers and detectives, their shields wrapped in the black bands of mourning, packed into Brooklyn Criminal Court as an ex-convict accused of gunning down two detectives was arraigned on murder charges.


Marlon Legere, 28, wearing a hospital smock and strapped to a wheelchair with bandages on both legs, pleaded not guilty to charges that he murdered Detectives Robert Parker and Patrick Rafferty on Friday in East Flatbush. Legere was remanded without bail before Judge William Maguire, who set his next court appearance for September 24.


“The defendant evidently got control of Parker’s gun and used it to kill both these officers,” an assistant district attorney, Ken Taub, told the judge. “I can’t imagine any circumstance whatsoever that will not result in the defendant spending the rest of his life in prison.”


The benches were full and many of the officers stood along the back walls. Detectives, some of them from East Flatbush’s 67th Precinct where the murders occurred, strained for a good look at the defendant because he was slumped in the wheelchair.


Legere was charged with multiple counts of first- and second-degree murder, as well as robbery and weapon possession. Legere faces up to life in prison, if convicted.


Mr. Taub told the judge the murders were “extremely painful” because he had known Parker for 15 years. Mr. Taub lauded the detective for identifying his accused killer after he had been mortally wounded. “Detective Parker, in his last actions here on earth, was a detective to the very end,” Mr. Taub said.


Following the arraignment, Legere was taken back to Brookdale Hospital. Court-appointed lawyer Wayne Bodden said his client has not eaten since the shooting.


“My client says to me he has not been provided with meals,” Mr. Bodden told the judge.


Mr. Bodden told reporters Legere needs to heal from his wounds before he can face the judge again.


Parker, a 22-year veteran, and Rafferty, a 15-year veteran, were known as “community-related” detectives who established good relations with the residents of the 67th Precinct, according to Victor Cipullo, vice president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association.


Parker had given his cell phone number to Legere’s mother Melva, who was locked in an ongoing domestic dispute with her son, who allegedly stole her car in May. On Friday, Ms. Legere called Parker and said her son was back.


Parker and Rafferty found Legere sitting in his mother’s Mazda in front of his home, at 519 E. 49th St. at 8:39 p.m. Legere took Parker’s gun in a struggle and shot the officers. Legere was shot in both legs in the melee.


Outside the courthouse, detectives said Legere deserved the death penalty, which the Court of Appeals overturned in June.


Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly attended Rafferty’s wake yesterday at Chapey & Sons at East Islip. Viewings continue today, with funeral services scheduled for tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at 118 W. Main St.


Parker’s wake is set for Thursday afternoon and evening at Grace Funeral Chapels, 607 N. Conduit Blvd., Brooklyn. The funeral will be at 10 a.m., Friday, at Christian Cultural Center, 120-20 Flatlands Ave., Brooklyn.


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