Sentencing Date for Domonic Whilby Postponed to May 2
On Tuesday, May 2nd at 2PM, the killer of Bus Operator William Pena will be sentenced to a prison term of unknown length. Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro, who has presided over the case since Domonic Whilby was jailed in February of 2014, will hand down a sentence of between 8-and-a-third to 25 years. TWU Local 100 is hoping that the judge imposes the maximum sentence in this case. The death of a public servant, in this case a transit worker, in the line of duty, has a special distinction. This is because he or she serves the public, and when this public service is done with honor and excellence, as in William Pena’s case, this person is owed a special measure of respect and support. We believe a penalty of 25 years (which would be reduced by three years' time served and good behavior) would send a strong message about drinking and driving, and about the special consideration our transit vehicles and transit personnel must command. At the request of the Pena family, we have invited all TWU Local 100 Bus Operators to sign this petition to the judge pressing for a maximum penalty. You can download that petition here. Please circulate the petition, and return it to your Union Rep or to the Union Hall, attention MABSTOA.
Make it a point to turn out for the sentencing on May 2nd at 2PM at 100 Centre Street (Manhattan Supreme Court, Criminal Part), when Judge Carro will hand down the sentence. If transit workers pack the courtroom, the Judge will see the value all of us placed on William's life and the expectation we have that a stiff sentence be imposed.