Monday February 23, 2009
Florida Prosecutor Continues to Stonewall on Criminal Charges in Hialeah Baby Murder Case
MIAMI, FL, February 23, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Ignoring a letter signed by 44 members of the State House of Representatives Friday, Florida State Attorney Katherine Rundle issued a statement indicating that no decision has been made on the filing of criminal charges against abortionist Pierre Renelique and others involved in the intentional murder of a baby born alive during a botched abortion at a Hialeah abortion clinic.
Rundle's statement was in response to a press conference held by Rev. Pat Mahoney, Director of the Washington, DC based Christian Defense Coalition, calling on her to bring criminal charges.
Rundle said in part, "While we understand the emotional perception that this is an 'easy matter' nothing could be further from the truth. The legal and ethical requirements that we be able to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt dictate that we thoroughly complete our investigation before we come to a legal decision in this matter."
"Ms. Rundle's statement implying we are 'emotional' is insulting to those of us who have fought for justice for Baby Shanice Denise Osbourne for over two and a half years," said Operation Rescue Senior Policy Advisor Cheryl Sullenger in response to Rundle's letter. "Maybe a little emotion from the State Attorney's office might help her understand the need for justice in this tragic murder of a defenseless baby."
"We have seen the results of two autopsy reports that indicate that Baby Shanice had air in her lungs and was born alive, and that the actions Relelique and his unlicensed workers caused the baby's death. It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a legal expert to understand that from the available evidence."
Abortionist Renelique did not show up for a scheduled abortion at his abortion facility, causing Shanice to be born alive. Belkis Gonzalez, an unlicensed abortion worker, cut Shanice's umbilical cord with office scissors. Shanice was still breathing and moving when she was shoved into a trash bag and tossed in the trash. Her body was later hidden on the roof of the abortion clinic. Relelique's medical license was revoked earlier this month because of this case.
Forty-four members of the Florida House signed a letter last week urging Rundle to criminally charge those responsible for Shanice's death.
"If Ms. Rundle won't do her job and bring these killers to justice, it is time to go over her head to the State Attorney General's office," said Sullenger. "We appreciate the efforts of the House members and Rev. Mahoney in calling attention to this heinous crime. We urge those who, like us, are concerned about the value of each human life, to contact Attorney General Bill McCollum and ask that he assign a prosecutor that will hold Shanice's killers accountable for her death."
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum
Toll-Free: 1-866-966-7226
E-mail: ag.mccollum@myfloridalegal.com
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Abortionist Stripped of Medical License in the Hialeah Baby Murder Case
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/feb/09020607.html
Lawsuit Filed for Baby Born Alive at Abortion Clinic then Killed and Hidden from Police
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jan/09013009.html
