The death of Officer Charles McDougald and wrongful conviction of Jonathan Parker has deeply affected the lives of two families and a community for many years. In 1998, Jonathan Parker was wrongfully convicted at the age of 19 and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Buffalo Police Officer Charles McDougald.
The tragic events surrounding the shooting that took the life of Officer Charles McDougald and wounded Officer Michael Martinez on April 9, 1997, have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone involved. We extend our sincerest condolences to the McDougald family for the loss of a beloved family member.
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Officer Charles McDougald
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Jonathan Parker
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Jonathan Parker was arrested in connection with these events and subsequently convicted after a lengthy trial. The circumstances surrounding his arrest, trial, and conviction raise significant concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the proceedings. The justice system is designed to ensure that every individual receives a fair trial and that the truth prevails, even in the most challenging cases. It is with this belief in mind that we appeal for a thorough review of the case of Jonathan Parker.
Parker's indictment, trial, and subsequent conviction have left lingering doubts and unanswered questions. Three individuals, including Officer Martinez, could not positively identify Jonathan Parker as the alleged gunman responsible for the tragic events. The fact that an all-white jury was selected for the trial raises concerns about potential bias and impartiality in the proceedings. We understand that the jury's decision was based on the attorney’s admission that Parker pulled the trigger, which his defense believed was necessary to establish credibility and avoid the death penalty. However, Parker has always maintained his innocence.
New evidence has been brought to light including testimony from a key witness in Jonathan's trial. During the trial the witness testified against Jonathan stating that Jonathan shot Officer McDougald. The witness has since recanted their original testimony and has told the truth about the night they witnessed Officer McDougald's murder. The truth is that Jonathan Parker is not guilty of shooting Officer Charles McDougald, nor was he even present at the scene. The witness was told by former Buffalo Police Detective, Andres Ortiz that if he didn't say Jonathan Parker killed Officer McDougald that, "he[Ortiz] would take me out to the corn fields and kill me."
Andres Ortiz, a former Buffalo Narcotics detective was 1 of 9 officers investigated and charged by the FBI for various crimes. Ortiz was charged with working with known drug dealers and helping them evade the police. Andres Ortiz took a plea deal two weeks before retiring from the Buffalo Police Department and was awarded a full pension.
With the threat of witness' safety no longer in question, Jonathan Parker is due what was once denied him: a fair trial, and the family of Officer McDougald deserve to know happened to their loved one. By law every citizen is guaranteed due process of the law. Witness tampering at the hands of the Buffalo Police Department is a gross misconduct and negligible offense that should warrant not only criminal charges but a loss of every benefit that came along with the badge. Due to this situation not only did Jonathan Parker not get a fair trial, his conviction should be overturned and his life restored.
We recognize the pain and loss that the McDougald family has endured since that fateful day. We also acknowledge the importance of seeking the truth and ensuring that justice is served in a manner that is both fair and transparent. The pursuit of justice is not limited to one individual or family; it extends to the entire community and the principles upon which our legal system is founded.
Parker's current legal representation filed a 440 Motion(read Part 1 and Part 2) on April 26, 2021 seeking to vacate Parker's 1998 conviction, order a new trial, or at the very least, schedule an evidentiary hearing. This motion is grounded in the pursuit of truth, fairness, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights. Both the McDougald family and the Parker family deserve closure and certainty in the pursuit of justice. The outcome of this case has far-reaching implications for the community, the criminal justice system, and the principles of truth and fairness that we hold dear.
