Groups Speak Out Before Bell Verdict Delivered

NEW YORK - While a verdict in the 50-shots case is not expected for a few more days, several groups are already speaking out about the emotionally charged trial of three New York City police officers charged in the death of Sean Bell. On Monday night in Harlem, one Baptist Church was the gathering point for those anxious to see convictions in the fatal shooting.

Among them was the father of the man who lost his life on what would have been his wedding day.

William Bell sat through seven weeks of testimony in Queens, and Monday night, he sat at Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem slightly more than 72 hours prior to Judge Arthur Cooperman?s verdict deciding if three detectives are criminally responsible for his son?s death.

?I?m going to tell you something,? he said. ?There will never be justice for me. In my heart, I still hurt, so how can I get justice? It?s impossible.?

Despite William Bell?s somber tone, church leaders and others tried to lift his spirits through music and words.

Leroy Gadsden of the NAACP, who also attended the trial daily, was already calling for a federal prosecutor if detectives Michael Oliver, Jesse Isnora and Mark Cooper are not convicted.

?We?re looking for justice,? Gadsden said. ?If not justice on Friday, then we?ll keep following the road wherever it may lead until we have justice in this case.?

But the Detectives Endowment Association maintains the officers are innocent, forced to defend themselves and open fire.

The police insist Bell?s drunken behavior behind the wheel of his Altima and menacing actions of his friend Joseph Guzman on that night in Jamaica 16 months ago left them no choice.

In a statement released Monday night, Detectives? Union President Michael Palladino told News 4 New York, "The verdict is in the capable hands of Judge Cooperman. The DEA will not engage the opportunists who continue to try this case on the courthouse steps."

The Detectives? Union did hold news conferences outside the courthouse during the trial, as did advocates for Bell?s family.

Meanwhile, other rallies and vigils are planned for this week, all continuing to 9 a.m. Friday when Cooperman delivers his ruling from the bench.

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