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Rockland County Court Rejects Convicted Murderer’s Eighth Attempt To Vacate Conviction

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3 months ago

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Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II, announced today that, in a decision issued on March 25, 2025, Rockland County Court Judge Kevin F. Russo rejected the latest attempt by convicted murderer Amer Zada to have his conviction vacated. The court noted that this motion is the eighth time Zada has sought to reverse or vacate his conviction.
In 1980, Zada was convicted of the murder of seventeen-year-old Shirley Smith in a Village of Nyack parking lot. He was also convicted of Attempted Sodomy in the First Degree and Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of his attack on Ms. Smith. At his trial, Zada was represented by William Kunstler, a world-renowned defense attorney who had gained notoriety for successfully defending many high profile and controversial clients.
In its decision, the court described the defendant’s current motion as being largely based on Zada’s claim that certain documents were not turned over to him prior to trial.
“The court found that Zada had failed to adequately establish this speculative claim as he provided no direct evidence that he had never received the documents. I would like to commend Executive Assistant District Attorney James Dolan for his dedication and professionalism representing the Office in this proceeding.” said District Attorney Tom Walsh.
The court also found that, even assuming that the documents had not been turned over, they were of little importance in the case against Zada and none of them were exculpatory within the meaning of the law. In addition, the court found that Zada’s motion to vacate his conviction raised only minor inconsistencies in the case against him, most of which were thoroughly explored by Mr. Kunstler during the trial. In conclusion, the court found that Zada had not offered anything to justify vacating his conviction.

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Crime

Ramapo Police Officer Injured During Mental Health Call; Suspect Charged with Assault

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2 hours ago

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June 25, 2025

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Incident Summary – Town of Ramapo

During the overnight shift, Ramapo Police officers responded to a call for assistance from mental health workers at a residence in the Town of Ramapo. The workers reported being threatened by an individual under their care.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a combative subject who was actively resisting a lawful effort to transport him to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. The situation escalated into a standoff. During attempts to take the subject into custody, he violently kicked one of the officers in the neck, resulting in injury.

The injured officer was treated and subsequently released from a local hospital. The subject was also transported to a hospital for evaluation.

He has since been charged with Assault in the 2nd Degree (Assault on a Police Officer) and other related offenses.

The Ramapo Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of the community and supporting the health professionals who assist those in crisis.

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Crime

Busy Weekend for Ramapo Police: 17 Arrests, Including Two Troubling Child Safety Cases

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2 days ago

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June 23, 2025

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RAMAPO, NY — The Town of Ramapo Police Department made 17 arrests over the weekend in a range of incidents that highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the community.

The arrests included:

  • 8 individuals for driving with suspended licenses or vehicle registrations

  • 3 individuals with outstanding warrants

  • 2 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

  • 2 arrests in connection with separate public exposure incidents

  • 2 troubling cases involving unsupervised toddlers, ages 2 and 3, found without adult supervision

“These arrests reflect the broad scope of our officers’ daily work,” the department said in a statement. “From enforcing traffic laws to responding to more serious public safety concerns, our officers are out there doing great police work.”

Officials noted that once arrests are made, cases are handed over to the criminal justice system for prosecution, while officers return to patrol duty to continue protecting the community.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and support efforts to keep Ramapo safe. Town of Ramapo is out on patrol where you need us.

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