Press Release
May 3, 2004

Contact: William J. Smith, (718) 556-7150

District Attorney Donovan Comments on Conviction of Julie Herrnkind

Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. issued the following statement following the conviction of Julie Herrnkind on Charges of Manslaughter in the First Degree:

“We accept the verdict of the jury. By reaching a guilty verdict on the charge of Manslaughter in the 1st Degree, the jury clearly demonstrated that they believed Julie Herrnkind was responsible for the death of her daughter Sylena. I must commend the two and a half years of dedication and hard work of Assistant District Attorney Yolanda Rudich, the Chief of the Sex Crimes/Special Victims Bureau. Her dedication to justice for young Sylena, along with that of Assistant District Attorney Keri Caden, ensured that Julie Herrnkind would be held accountable for her crimes against Sylena.”

Julie Herrnkind will be sentenced on May 19, 2004.