A man New Orleans prosecutors said was the leader of a violent narcotics-dealing gang was shot dead Sunday in Mid-City.
Glynn McCormick was awaiting trial on racketeering charges when Criminal District Court Judge Darryl Derbigny ordered his release April 1, in response to a coronavirus pandemic-related motion filed by McCormock's attorney. The New Orleans District Attorney's office objected to the release.
Prosecutors allege McCormick was the leader of the "D-Block" gang, nine suspected members of which were indicted in May 2018 after months of surveillance by New Orleans Police and the federal DEA and ATF, the D.A.'s office said.
"This man’s violent death was completely avoidable," said New Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro. "So too was the extreme danger this spray of gunfire posed to the surrounding neighborhood residents sheltering in their homes during this health emergency."
Cannizzaro says his office has not objected to most pandemic-related release requests, but they opposed this one given the nature of the charges.
"We have in the last three weeks supported efforts by the courts and Sheriff Marlin Gusman to reduce the number of non-violent and first-time offenders inside the parish jail during this public health emergency," Cannizzaro said. "But the threat of Covid-19 should not mean riskier or irrational public safety decisions now that we are down to the bedrock level of violent criminals still inside the jail. Our judges cannot make rash decisions that further endanger our city in this perilous time."