After a brutal unprovoked attack in Brooklyn, suspect Franz Jeudy faces felony charges but remains free pending trial

In a controversial decision, a Brooklyn judge has once again released Franz Jeudy, 33, even after prosecutors escalated his assault charges to a felony. Jeudy is accused of sucker-punching Dulche Pichardo, a 57-year-old mother of three, breaking her jaw and causing severe facial injuries. This incident occurred in Crown Heights and has stirred significant community and legal uproar.

On March 24, Jeudy allegedly attacked Pichardo without provocation, resulting in fractures on both sides of her face and multiple lost teeth. Following the attack, the victim managed to escape to her brother’s nearby restaurant, where her brother then pursued and detained Jeudy until the police arrived.

Despite the severity of the attack, Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino denied the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office’s request for $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. This decision to keep Jeudy on supervised release has raised concerns, given his history of similar assaults and his mental health issues.

In the past, Jeudy has been arrested for randomly attacking individuals, including a law enforcement officer in 2018 and a security guard in 2019. Charges from these incidents were dismissed after Jeudy was found unfit to stand trial due to schizophrenia, as stated by Manhattan prosecutors.

The Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, expressed his determination to seek justice, stating, “Random attacks against strangers, especially women, are beyond senseless and completely unacceptable.” He emphasized the grand jury’s indictment for felony assault and the office’s commitment to holding Jeudy accountable.

This is not the first time Judge Sciarrino has been in the spotlight for similar rulings. Last year, he faced criticism after he allowed a career criminal bail in an attempted murder case, who then allegedly engaged in a shooting while out on bond.

The community’s reaction to Jeudy’s release has been one of alarm and frustration. Pichardo, speaking about her ordeal, stated, “This is terrible. I don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

As the case progresses, with Jeudy’s next court date scheduled for July 2, the community and the victims await with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that ensures safety and justice