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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Ann
Collis |
State Rep. Jewell
Williams |
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Williams reintroduces legislation that fights witness intimidation
PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – In response to increasing incidents of gun violence across the state, state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., has reintroduced legislation that would protect witnesses and victims of a crime while testifying.
The witness intimidation legislation, H.B. 382, would amend state law relating to protective orders. Specifically, it would grant the court – at the request of a law enforcement officer, prosecuting official or victim or witness – the ability to conceal the identity of the victim or witness when testifying through teleconferenced testimony, voice distortion or other method to prevent visual identification; prohibit disclosure of the victim’s or witness’ identity or personal details; and provide for additional security for victims and witnesses, such as transportation to court, secure areas at the courthouse or police protection.
“Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney William Fisher once said, ‘Witnesses and victims don’t tell you everything for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is that they’re afraid for their lives,’” Williams said. “We have a serious gun violence problem in urban areas. If we want to solve it, we cannot allow our witnesses to be intimidated or scared.”
In February 2004, 10-year-old Faheem Thomas-Childs was shot and killed in front of his North Philadelphia elementary school, the innocent victim of gang warfare. During the murder trial, six of the witnesses recanted their testimonies.
"We have seen repeated examples of why this legislation is absolutely necessary,” Williams said. “These people are demonstrating tremendous acts of bravery by coming forward and recounting horrible crimes. Now, we must show our support and protect them. Their testimony is helping us to get criminals off the street and make our neighborhoods safer. It is my hope that this legislation will encourage witnesses to come forward to testify, and ease fears of retribution.”
According to an October 1995 U.S. Department of Justice publication, prosecutors have estimated that victim and witness intimidation is a factor in 75 to 100 percent of violent crimes in gang-dominated areas.
A member of the House Judiciary Committee, Williams has several bills that address illegal gun usage and the ensuing violence recently seen in Philadelphia waiting to be heard by the committee. The committee will hold a fact-finding hearing within Williams’ district on April 13. For more information, please contact Williams’ constituent service office at 215-763-2559.
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