(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Cook County judge is facing severe criticism, after police say a man released by the judge in an earlier domestic violence case stabbed and killed his wife earlier this week on Chicago's Northwest Side.
Prosecutors say last month they asked Judge Thomas Nowinski to keep 57-year-old Constantin Beldie in custody, as he awaited trial on charges he attempted to kidnap his wife, 54-year-old Lacramioara Beldie. The judge released Constantin Beldie on electronic monitoring.
Police say on Tuesday, Constantin Beldie fatally stabbed his wife on Leland Avenue near Central Avenue, and he was later found dead in a vehicle nearby.
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says Nowinski should leave the bench.
“Judges are entrusted with protecting victims, and when they fail those victims miserably, they should be held accountable, and the consequences should be severe.”
Prosecutors also say Nowinski denied an order of protection against another man who was accused of abusing a woman.
Police say that man, Crosetti Brand, later stabbed and killed the woman's 11-year-old son as he was trying to protect his mother.
Brand was released from prison the day before the fatal stabbing.
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