$2.5 million bond set by Baltimore court

The Rt. Rev. Heather Cook (58) surrendered to police today after Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced the bishop was facing felony charges in connection with the death of cyclist Richard Palermo on 27 Dec 2014.  Bishop Cook has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, criminal negligent manslaughter, texting while driving, driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. The State Attorney told a 9 Jan 2015 press conference the bishop is alleged to have swerved onto the bike lane whilst texting on her cellphone hitting cyclist Richard Palermo from behind. The collision propelled Palermo onto the hood and windshield of the car and then on to the pavement. The bishop then left the scene of the accident for approximately thirty minutes, Ms. Mosby said, and then returned to the scene of the collision but drove away again. She then returned to the scene a second time and was arrested by police.  The prosecutor alleged Bishop Cook was intoxicated at the time of the accident and stated the results of  a breathalyzer test conducted by the police indicated her blood alcohol level was .22, (three times the legal limit in Maryland). After arraignment bail of $2.5 million was set by the court.

(Photo: Baltimore City Police)