Dealing with the criminal justice system after the trauma of losing Raymond was almost more than I could bear at times. Things moved in a painfully slow way, with frustration after frustration along the way. In the end, I believe that justice was served in a legal sense. The outcome of the trial was more than I'd hoped for. I'll share my experiences from the beginning to the end. Links are included where appropriate.

Right now I only have the coroners inquest. I hope to add more to this soon.

Right after Raymond was killed, Jamal Tait was charged with homicide by vehicle. Shortly thereafter, District Attorney Steven Zappala decided to charge him with third degree murder. The difference between the two charges is explained here.

My first court experience after Raymond's death was the coroner's inquest. This is where they decide what, if any, criminal charges are to be filed. The District Attorney recomends the charges, but the coroner is the one who decides whether those charges are appropriate.

I was still in shock during this hearing. I have little memory of the words that were said, although I do remember the defense attorney saying something about Raymond not looking before riding his bike across the street. His implication that this was Raymond's fault made me angry. I wanted so badly to stand up and shout at him. But you can't do things like that in a courtroom. So I just sat there quietly.

I also remeber being taken from the courtroom during on of the police officer's testimony. There was a person from the Victims of Violent Crime there with me. People wanted me to leave, although I didn't think it was necessary. I was there when it happened, and nothing that was said could have been more horrifying than the scene that replayed itself over and over again in my head. I think it made the others more comfortable to not see me when they testified, so I went. I was in a daze anyway. i just did what people told me to do.

At the end of the hearing, the corner decided that Tait would stand trial on a third degree murder charge. I was relieved. There were also numerous other charges related to the police chase and the incident that led up to it.