SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — The man accused of stabbing a library security guard to death in Rockland County this week was freed two months ago after an arrest on an attempted rape charge.
It's not clear why 25-year-old Blanchard Glaudin was released after being charged with the attempted rape of a woman at Nyack Hospital in November.
Bail was set at $100,000, but Glaudin was released after spending six days in jail and undergoing a mental health evaluation.
CBS News legal analyst Rikki Klieman says when considering bail in New York, judges are hamstrung.
"The judge has no discretion. If a guy could have 26 prior arrests, it doesn't matter. He cannot look at criminal history, the judge cannot look at danger to society, he can only look at what this person has been charged with," Klieman said. "New York is one of a few states in the country that has this element where you cannot consider danger to society and a person's criminal history. It's really astounding."
Some are questioning whether Glaudin's release had anything to do with the recent bail reform law — which was not in effect at the time of his arrest.
Attempted rape is classified as a violent felony in New York, so it does not fall under the category of crimes supported in the new bail reform law.
Erin George, director of Citizen Action for the Civil Rights Campaign, called Wilson’s death heartbreaking, but said “it is unquestionably not the result of bail reform.”
"Any attempt by law enforcement to associate this horrific murder with bail reform is false, and a shameful exploitation of a serious tragedy," George said. "The accused individual was released in December 2019 on charges that remain bail and jail eligible under the new law. Furthermore, he could have been ordered to remain in a hospital for evaluation, as he reportedly was experiencing mental health issues.”
Glaudin is accused of fatally stabbing 52-year-old Sandra Wilson inside the Finklestein Library on Tuesday after she told him to turn down the volume on his smartphone.
Authorities say the man became irritated and suddenly attacked, stabbing the woman with a large kitchen knife.
Authorities say Glaudin tried to get away after the attack, but police say several library patrons, including a 15-year-old, held him down until help arrived.
He is now charged with second-degree murder.
Rockland District Attorney Tom Walsh, who just took over in January, says his staff will investigate why Glaudin was let out of jail in December.
"Although I was not in the office on that date, I have directed my executive team to examine all documents and minutes related to this case," Walsh said in a statement. "Rest assured, I will investigate this issue and reveal the findings as soon as possible. Currently, the main focus of my office right now must be to ensure that we deal with the senseless killing of Ms. Wilson. My office will work tirelessly to prosecute Mr. Glaudin and to provide justice to all involved."
Glaudin is due back in court on Monday.