Quintez Brown (21 years old) was arrested and charged in connection with attempted murder after Monday’s shooting at Louisville. Craig Greenberg (Democratic candidate) was not struck by gunfire, but claimed that a bullet had grazed his sweater.
“Our criminal justice system clearly is broken. Greenberg stated in a statement that it is almost impossible to believe someone could attempt murder Monday night and be released from jail Wednesday morning. “If someone is suffering from a mental illness, they should be assessed and treated in custody. This system must be fixed together.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Louisville Community Bail Fund paid the $100,000 cash bail bond. Brown was placed in home confinement and fitted with a GPS ankle watch.
Brown, a social justice activist running for Louisville’s metropolitan council as an independent, was charged with attempted murder, four counts of wanton danger and three counts of criminal mischief.
Brown was ordered by a judge to avoid any contact with Greenberg and his campaign staff. He also stated that Brown can’t possess firearms. Brown’s lawyer stated that Brown has “serious mental problems” and would be subject to a psychiatric evaluation.
Chanelle Helm, an organizer for the Louisville Community Bail Fund, and a member of Black Lives Matter Louisville said that the organization was concerned that he would not receive the support he required in prison.
They don’t have the means to provide mental health services to their patients. Helm explained that we do this, we put them in contact with people in our communities.
Helm said that bail fund donors who don’t agree with Brown’s bond posting should read more about “Why we created bail funds.”
“Not everyone who is in prison or jail will be nonviolent offenders with simple cases or low bail. She said that we bail out people because they can offer the support and resources needed to help them get their cases resolved.
The initial prosecutor in the case was Mike O’Connell from Jefferson County. O’Connell stated in a prepared statement, that Brown’s release was “frustrating”. State law requires that bond be set in cases such as Brown’s. He claimed that prosecutors had argued for Brown’s release and were granted a greater bond, an increase of $75,000 to $100,000 cash. O’Connell also requested home confinement if Brown is released.
O’Connell stated that the criteria for release shouldn’t be access to a certain amount money. It should be the threat to community and the history of non-appearance at court.
O’Connell stated that his office “kept the victim in the loop throughout the entire process.”
Sean Delahanty was a Louisville criminal judge who served two decades. He said that he believed the $100,000 cash bond for Brown to be substantial.
Delahanty stated, “I’m certain that the judge who set bond believed that the bond would keep the person in prison.”
“Because how many murder suspects have the ability to place $100,000 cash bonds?” It was rare to see it before bail projects existed.
Delahanty stated that when there is doubt about a defendant’s mental competency, there are options the court has to use. The court can keep them in custody while they undergo mental evaluations, get treatment, or have them involuntarily admitted into a state facility for a time before their trial.
In remarks made on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed outrage over Brown’s release. The shooting was described by McConnell as “what appears like an assassination effort against a Jewish mayoral contender.”
He said, “Less then 48 hours after an activist attempted to literally kill a politician,” It is jaw-dropping. Louisville’s innocent citizens deserve better.
However, Brown’s release was not without resistance.
Charles Booker, a Louisville Democrat running to the U.S. Senate was against Brown’s release. He stated that anyone who has been charged with attempted murder and is feared for harm to others should be held in custody.
“The sad truth about our cash bail system, is that it places a price on crime without providing sufficient safety considerations. Booker stated that innocent people are often kept behind bars due to lack of funds. If they have enough money, an accused of attempted murder can be released within 48 hours.
Brown went missing for approximately two weeks last summer. His parents made a statement asking for privacy and patience while they cared for his “physical, psychological, and spiritual needs”.
Louisville Police refused to respond on Thursday to questions regarding Greenberg’s security. Greenberg is still running for mayor. A spokesperson for the LMPD stated that they do not discuss operational security issues.
Brown must remain at his home and use a GPS device in the interim. According to Steve Durham, Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. Brown wrote that he understood that he was required to stay inside under the Home Incarceration Program and that his movements are tracked.
He said, “When there’s movement beyond the area authorized, a real-time alert is generated and all alerts received by HIP personnel.”
Rep. Jason Nemes, a Republican state lawmaker from Louisville, said Thursday to the Courier Journal that he would introduce a bill next Wednesday that would allow voters decide on a constitutional amend that allows defendants to be held without bail in cases where they are in grave danger.
