The second highest ranking official in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland will be charged with manslaughter in a December 27 crash that killed a cyclist, according to a Baltimore prosecutor.
Bishop Suffragan Heather Cook is accused of driving under the influence resulting in a homicide, vehicular manslaughter, criminal negligent manslaughter, texting while driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. A breathalyzer test showed Cook’s blood alcohol level was .22 following the accident. If found guilty, Cook could face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for each charge of manslaughter and driving away from the accident.
Baltimore City State’s attorney Marilyn J. Mosby, sworn in as Baltimore’s top prosecutor Thursday night, made the announcement at a news conference this morning in Baltimore. A warrant will be issued for Cook’s arrest, prosecutors said.
The Episcopal Church has also launched its own investigation under the church’s disciplinary canons. It is unclear if Cook was engaged in church business at the time of the accident, but if she was, the diocese could be potentially vulnerable to a civil suit in the death of 41-year-old cyclist Thomas Palermo. Read more
See also
New: High-Ranking Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook to Be Charged With DUI, Manslaughter; Faces Up to 21 Years in Prison If Convicted
Diocese of Maryland's Statement on the Indictment of Bishop Heather Cook
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