Judge allows high-profile DUI death suspect to go to Haiti, then changes her mind

DUI death suspect Beruch Zegeye , who allegedly killed a pizza deliveryman after partying with classmates from the exclusive Benjamin School in September 2008, received permission from the court system that has yet to decide his fate to travel to Haiti to join the earthquake recovery effort. Criminal Court Judge Karen Miller rescinded her permission four days later without explanation, according to court documents. Outraged Page2Live readers found out in September that Zegeye’s case, which includes allegations of booze and pills use on a yacht owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus before Zegeye’s Porsche SUV slammed in the back of two cars, was practically at a standstill on its first anniversary. What’s more, the 19-year-old’s house arrest had been quietly lifted, and he routinely traveled to New York City to attend Pace University while his legal team in Palm Beach County postponed court hearing after court hearing. Now, with a plea conference scheduled for April, Zegeye — the son of a St. Marys Medical Center neurosurgeon — had the cojones to ask to travel to Haiti. With government buildings flattened in last week’s earthquake, it’s obvious that Haiti’s administration, police and judiciary would be incapable to extradite Zegeye back to the United States if he decided to remain there. For more, and the poll, look below or click “Obviously, he was believed to be a flight risk since he was under house arrest,” said TV legal analyst Michelle Suskauer , a Benjamin School

mom. Suskauer, a criminal lawyer, is not involved with the case.  “The judge and the state signed off on his travel despite the fact the young man is facing a substantial penalty. He has unlimited resources and a clear incentive to disappear. Haiti would be a perfect place. “But the judge changed her mind, and she has every right to do so.” The official reason for the travel request was for Zegeye to accompany his dad, Yonas Zegeye , who’s flying to the island to care for earthquake victims. “Legally, that was a smooth move to make the young man look good,” Suskauer added. “Any lawyer with a young client facing years in prison tries to show the judge that his client could be productive and do good.” Paul Krommendyk was sitting in his tiny car at a traffic light on PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens when he was killed in the Zegeye crash, which may have occurred at 80 mph. Another man was injured . Miller, the judge, didn’t return calls to explain why she first allowed Zegeye to travel last Friday then changed her mind over the weekend, before father and son could leave. Zegeye’s barrister didn’t comment. Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.

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Judge allows high-profile DUI death suspect to go to Haiti, then changes her mind

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