FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2002

CONTACT:
Kyle N. Quandel
800.269.0091

NEW TRAIL SCHEDULED FOR TEEN SUICIDE CASE
POLICE TO FACE CHARGES IN FEDERAL COURT OVER MISCONDUCT …. AGAIN

ALLENTOWN, PA: The Honorable Judge Arnold C. Rapaport of the 3rd US District Court, Allentown, Pennsylvania, has granted a new trial for Sterling v. Minersville Borough and Police.

Last November, a jury cleared three police officers from any wrongdoing in the suicide case of Marcus Wayman. On June 17, 2002, the presiding judge tossed out the jury acquittal calling it a “miscarriage of justice”.

The defense for the Police and Borough of Minersville, PA, immediately filed a motion, asking Judge Rapoport to reconsider his decision. Further, if Judge Rapaport would not reconsider, the defense asked for an immediate appeal to the 3rd Circuit US Court of Appeals, (Philadelphia).

Today, the Honorable Arnold C. Rapaport flatly denied the Borough’s plea for reconsideration and appeal; leaving the police to face charges of misconduct, again, in a new trial that prompted the suicide of Marcus Wayman.

“Judge Rapaport’s decision was short and sweet,” Kyle N. Quandel, Campaign Director said. “Briefly put, Judge Rapaport had no specific reasons for the denial, citing that both his opinion and authority are clearly stated in the previous June 17th decision.”

This unprecedented case has been ongoing since 1998 when Madonna Sterling, Marcus’ mother, filed civil charges against the Minersville Police and Borough for violating her son’s right to privacy.

Wayman and a friend were in a parking lot in April 1997 when approached by police. After a routine pat down of the teens, Minersville officers found the teens carrying condoms. Officer Scott Willinsky concluded the boys to be gay and threatened to out them to the rural community. Hours later, Marcus Wayman shot himself.

From the issues and implications around this particular case and the disturbing history, a campaign to raise awareness of suicide, privacy and homophobia was created. The Marcus Memorial Campaign is dedicated not only to educating the public about Marcus' tragic story but also to inform the public about issues around suicide, assist questioning persons deal with emotional issues regarding coming out, defend the rights of the public, and articulate issues of safe-sex.

“We’re thankful and overwhelmed,” Quandel says, “This is a huge step in the right direction. Marcus’ case impacts us all in so many ways. This is a major victory for Marcus’ family. We are thrilled to see this case move forward …towards justice being served in Marcus’ memory while protecting our rights and our youth!”

A specific court date was not set forth in the opinion.

For more information, resources and details, please visit the campaign website at www.MarcusWayman.org