FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF JOHN ZEBROWSKI SAYREVILLE PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | January 2022
Prior to ushering in the New Year , the New Jersey Supreme Court vacated the conviction of Michelle Lodzinski . In 2016 , Lodzinski was found guilty of murdering her 5 year old son , Timothy Wiltsey , and was sentenced to 30 years without parole . This was a particularly infamous and tragic cold-case from 1991 where dogged investigative efforts resulted in Lodzinski ’ s eventual arrest decades later . The trial lasted 8 weeks with 68 witnesses . After the verdict the jurors were so moved they visited the site where Timmy ’ s remains had been located in tribute to the 5 year old .
The verdict was upheld despite multiple appeals , including to the New Jersey Supreme Court , where due to a recusal of Justice Albin , the Court deadlocked in a 3-3 tie . This effectively upheld the lower Appeals Courts ’ decisions which denied her appeals . However , the Supreme Court was eventually persuaded to rehear the appeal affording Lodzinski the opportunity to be heard by seven Justices . A presiding appellate judge was appointed to hear the case and act as the tie-breaker . Disappointingly , the Court held in Lodzinski ’ s favor overturning the jury ’ s verdict which is rarely done . And so , she was freed from the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility before the New Year began .
Notwithstanding my personal thoughts regarding the Courts decision , I bring this case to your attention as proof that our legal jurisprudence , particularly in New Jersey , remains an impartial and fair process . It would be impossible to conclude otherwise . As a suspect and defendant , Lodzinski encountered a professional police investigation and the opportunity to be judged by an impartial jury when she was prosecuted . Further , the criminal justice system provided ample opportunity for appeal ensuring the integrity of a process based upon checks and balances affording her the benefit of the doubt , even after a conviction .
I suspect the new State Legislature once sworn in will usher in a number of new bills designed to improve or reform the current system . That ’ s okay and perhaps some changes will be necessary . As an association we will continue to remain vigilant in our review and initiate dialogue , when necessary to assure the voice of our membership is heard . While the system is not perfect , a case such as this , which evoked strong emotion , assures those who may question its integrity that it works a lot better than those found elsewhere .
Chief John Zebrowski NJSACOP President
The NJSACOP sends its sincerest condolences to the family of
Chief George Fenske Retired Life Member
4