A Bronx judge has nixed a defense request for a special prosecutor in case of the fatal 2017 school stabbing by a “bullied” high-schooler, clearing the way for a June 18 trial.
Accused killer Abel Cedenos will try to avoid a manslaughter conviction by insisting he pulled a switchblade and stabbed two students in the middle of a classroom out of self defense because they had bullied and threatened him — a claim he first made in a lawsuit against the city.
The setting of a trial date is a relief and a step toward closure for the mom of victim Matthew McCree, 15, the woman said.
“I don’t get to fully mourn my son until this process is over with,” mom Louna Dennis said Thursday outside Bronx Supreme Court.
“I need to mourn the way I need to mourn my son’s loss, and I’m unable to do so because I keep coming back and forth to court.”
Justice Steven Hornstein gave no reason for denying the defense motion requesting a special prosecutor.
Defense lawyer Christopher Lynn had argued that the Bronx DA’s Office had shown partiality to McCree’s older brother, Kevon Dennis, in deciding to drop the charges against him for an alleged revenge armed robbery on Cedenos’ classmates soon after his brother’s fatal stabbing.
“I’m just happy that we now have a solid court date, and I’m happy that we got the judge’s help in bringing the adults that were in the room. That’s been a huge battle,” Lynn said after court.
Also Thursday, the judge granted the defense request to be provided with contact information for three adults — two teachers and a monitor — who were in the classroom during the stabbing.