NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday vowed that the killer of a 10-year-old boy in Far Rockaway would be found as he called for more resources to help ex-convicts.
It’s still unclear who killed 10-year-old Justin Wallace, just days before his 11th birthday, but the mayor is promising “he will be brought to justice.”
He said that the boy was “killed by a cowardly, horrible human being,” but says the state may be to blame for the incident.
At his daily press conference on Monday, de Blasio notes that too often, the state dumps parolees into the city’s homeless shelters, without giving them the tools needed for them to make it back into society.
“The facts are clear state parolees are more likely to be shooting suspects than they have been in the past,” de Blasio said. “They are four times more likely to be involved in gun violence than others who have been involved in the criminal justice system.”
He believes more can be done to prevent gun violence before it happens and called on Albany to reform the current parole system before the session ends next week.
He also wants lawmakers to strengthen laws to protect witnesses.
“We see a specific problem and we can do something about it, we can do something about it in a way that is understanding and compassionate but, also forceful. Reentry planning, discharge planning, housing, health support, including mental health support, making sure people have some employment. These are things that would make a huge difference and help keep us safe,” the mayor said.
While he wants New York State to act, he also says the federal government needs to step up to strengthen gun laws throughout the country.
“The thing that would help us the most is actual federal laws to stop the massive proliferation of gun ownership that has occurred particularly during the pandemic,” de Blasio said.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark applauded the mayor’s calls and said she has also been working to fix the broken system.
“Mr. Mayor, I have been reaching this to the choir for I don’t know how long. It is so difficult to get people to cooperate,” she said.
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