David Laffer, right, and his attorney Mary Elizabeth Abbate, appear in the courtroom for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip N.Y. Thursday, June 23 2011. (AP Photo/Pool, Victor Alcorn)
MEDFORD, NY (CBSNewYork) – No jury duty for David Laffer.
A Suffolk County official says the 33-year-old, who is charged with killing four people at a Medford pharmacy in June, has been excused from serving on a jury.
According to a report by Newsday, Laffer received a notice to appear for jury duty just days after his arrest, beginning June 28.
In a letter written to Commissioner of Jurors Michael O’Donohoe on June 29, Laffer wrote “I have recently (as of 23 Jun) been arrested, and am currently detained at Riverhead Correctional Facility on some very serious felony charges. I simply wished to relay this to you, so that I do not get into any further legal troubles.”
The letter, signed “Sincerely, David Laffer” was delivered Wednesday and O’Donohoe said his office would honor Laffer’s request.
Laffer and his wife Melinda Brady were arrested on June 22 in connection with the execution-style murders of four people at Haven Pharmacy on Father’s Day.
Laffer has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder and four counts of criminal use of firearms. He has pleaded not guilty.
Brady is charged with third-degree robbery and obstruction but may face additional charges. Police say she drove the getaway car. She too pleaded not guilty.
O’Donohoe says if Laffer were out on bail, he would be eligible to serve on a jury.
