Current:Home > ScamsProsecutors seek life in prison for man who opened fire on New York City subway train, injuring 10 -VisionFunds
Prosecutors seek life in prison for man who opened fire on New York City subway train, injuring 10
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-11 10:24:30
Federal prosecutors have recommended life sentences for the man who opened fire on a crowded Brooklyn subway train last year, injuring 10 people.
In a memo addressed to leading Judge William F. Kuntz II on Wednesday, prosecutors said there was overwhelming evidence that shows Frank James intended to kill. They asked for him to be sentenced to 10 concurrent life sentences as well as 120 months’ imprisonment.
“Sentencing the defendant to life in prison is the only sentence that will ensure he never harms the public again,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace wrote.
James’ defense lawyers, however, asked that he receive an 18-year prison sentence, insisting he was and still is severely mentally ill.
“After decades of persistently seeking, but never receiving, appropriate mental health care, Mr. James wrought unspeakable horror on innocent subway riders, each entirely blameless for his struggles. His actions were inexcusable, and he does not justify or minimize them,” wrote his lawyer, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, in a court document. “But,” she added, “Mr. James is not evil. He is very, very ill.”
In January, James pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for the attack carried out during the height of an early morning commute on April 12, 2022.
Dressed as a maintenance worker, James fired a semi-automatic pistol about 32 times after setting off smoke grenades — wounding 10 victims as the train pulled into a station in Sunset Park. James then fled in the haze and chaos, setting off a 30-hour citywide manhunt that ended when he called the police on himself.
“The fact that no one was killed by the defendant’s 32 gunshots can only be described as luck as opposed to the defendant’s intentional choice,” Peace wrote.
James is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 28.
veryGood! (4435)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Say Goodbye to Frizzy Hair: I Tested and Loved These Products, but There Was a Clear Winner
- Court reverses conviction against former NH police chief accused of misconduct in phone call
- Bookmaker to plead guilty in gambling case tied to baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Mýa says being celibate for 7 years provided 'mental clarity'
- Obama and Bush join effort to mark America’s 250th anniversary in a time of political polarization
- 26 people taken to hospital after ammonia leak at commercial building in Northern Virginia
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Scottie Scheffler 'amazed' by USA gymnastic team's Olympic gold at Paris Games
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap
- Teen Mom’s Maci Bookout Supports Ex Ryan Edwards’ Girlfriend Amid Sobriety Journey
- Cardi B Reveals She's Pregnant With Baby No. 3 Amid Divorce From Offset
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Browns RB D'Onta Foreman sent to hospital by helicopter after training camp hit
- 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a blast, but it doesn't mean the MCU is back
- Simone Biles' 2024 Olympics Necklace Proves She's the GOAT After Gymnastics Gold Medal Win
Recommendation
Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
Video shows dramatic rescue of crying Kansas toddler from bottom of narrow, 10-foot hole
2024 Olympics: Snoop Dogg Is Team USA’s Biggest Fan With His Medal-Worthy Commentary
Facing rollbacks, criminal justice reformers argue policies make people safer
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
1 killed and 3 wounded in shooting in Denver suburb of Aurora on Thursday, police say
'Love Island UK' Season 11: Who are the winners? How to stream the finale in the US
Regan Smith races to silver behind teen star Summer McIntosh in 200 fly