Judge James Piampiano's decision to dismiss the charges against Charlie Tan shocked lawyers, media, supporters, and those following the case, including Jennifer McGoff. She was a juror in the Tan trial in October, which ended in a mistrial.
"It really does make you feel like a lot of that was for nothing."
McGoff was among the eight jurors that wanted to convict Tan, the 20-year old Pittsford man, of shooting his father. She says since Piampiano's dismissal, she's been doubting her conclusions during deliberations.
"It does make you question because there's a person here whose very well trained in the law, who was a prosecutor for many years, who is saying there's not enough evidence."
Although McGoff admits that personally, she feels somewhat relieved that Tan was not convicted, she says she can't help but think that there was an agenda behind Piampiano's decision.
"Everybody felt bad for him, everybody does, everybody on the jury felt bad for Charlie too, but that isn't what it's about. If you commit a crime, you need to be held accountable for committing a crime."
McGoff says Tan was sympathetic because of the allegations of domestic violence that arose around his father of the course of his trial.
District Attorney Sandra Doorley says her office is looking into having the decision repealed, which, according to local legal professionals, may not be possible.
