Four days after nearly 300 supporters gathered at a Sunday evening prayer vigil for Barbara Sheehan at Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach, a judge granted the defense’s motion for appeal. His decision automatically suspends the scheduled November 10th sentencing date for a gun charge conviction after Sheehan was acquitted on murder charges in the 2008 shooting death of her husband, retired NYPD sergeant Raymond Sheehan.
And for Sheehan supporters, a swirling wind did not discourage Sunday’s crowd who huddled and bowed their heads as they were led by parish Deacon Alex Breviario. “It is not our role to judge. It is for us to pray together in support of Barbara and her family,” Breviario said.
Speaking before the crowd assembled for his daughter, Mike Henry thanked everyone for their help through his family’s most difficult time. “It’s hard to really let people know how much you appreciate them,” Henry said choking back tears, “I hope that my daughter will be home with us soon. And your prayers are what will bring her there. We can never show you the thanks we feel for all of your support. I can only say we appreciate and love you all. Each and every one of you.”
Supporters stayed behind following the prayer service, breaking into small groups to share stories and exchange opinions. Fellow parishioner and neighbor Tony Modafferi shook his head and bristled at the notion of any incarceration for Barbara Sheehan. “I wish the judge could have seen Barbara walk with a sling around her shoulder, or a black eye. He didn’t see it,” Modafferi said, “but I did. And it wasn’t just one time.”
And Modafferi was clearly not alone in his anger about the conviction. Supporters throughout the crowd echoed the exact sentiment. “Barbara Sheehan wouldn’t be near a jail if she had been allowed to use the Battered Woman’s defense,” said Joann Ariola, founder of the Lindenwood Alliance. “This is a woman who was tortured and then not allowed to talk about it,” Ariola said, “so yes we are here to pray for Barbara because justice obviously abandoned her.”
“We are hoping that those who will decide her fate will realize that Barbara Sheehan has spent her whole married life in a place far worse than any prison,” said one of the vigil’s organizers, Doreen DeCandia. “I don’t know Barbara Sheehan personally, but I know I believe her. And I know she needs to come home.”
With their immediate prayers answered by Wednesday’s decision, friends and family will await Sheehan’s release from Rikers Island, which on Wednesday was temporarily complicated by bail negotiations. Bondsman eager to get back the $1 million originally posted three and a half years ago, do not want to see a continuance of bail in the case because their money will be held back.
Bail will most likely be renegotiated for a much less amount due to the difference in the severity of the charges. According to Sheehan’s lawyers, the appeal process will likely be lengthy, taking up to one year or more.
Despite the fact that Sheehan will likely be free on bail within days, she will not have a job to go back to at the Department of Education. The city is terminating her position as a school secretary because of her current status as a convicted felon. Pending appeal, Sheehan could possibly be reinstated if she wins the next round in court.
By Patricia Adams
