When Michael Gleason Jr., 50, appeared before Bail Magistrate Stephanie Johnson in April on felony charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, and theft against his ex-wife, she let him out on $5,000 cash bail.
On Sunday, Gleason tracked down his ex, 25-year-old Marisol Fuentes, working at La Casita Mexican restaurant in Berlin, and gunned her down before turning the shotgun on himself.
Now, a state representative wants Johnson out.
Rep. Lori Korzen (R-Berlin) is calling on Johnson to resign from her post. On Thursday, she released a letter she sent to the magistrate urging her to step down.
“The bail system exists to balance the rights of the accused with the imperative of public safety. In this instance, I believe that balance was not achieved, and the result was a preventable tragedy,” Korzen wrote.
“Our community places its trust in the judiciary to exercise prudent judgment, especially in cases where there is a clear risk to individuals and public safety. When that trust is broken, the repercussions are felt far beyond the courtroom; they are measured in lives lost and families forever changed.”
The gruesome murder-suicide has hit the Berlin community hard. During Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, which was held in Coos County, Councilor Joe Kenney spoke about the crime.
“People ask me how could this happen to a vivacious, young 25-year-old who had everything to live for and had in front of her, and it was all taken away because of a court system that basically give a limited bail amount to this estranged husband.”
Gov. Kelly Ayotte told the Council the incident was more proof the bail reform fix she championed was needed. Asked by NHJournal if she believes Johnson should resign, Ayotte pointed out, “The stronger bail law I championed eliminates the magistrates—and rightly so.”
Ayotte was more explicit in February when she criticized Johnson’s decision to release a stabbing suspect on personal recognizance. At the time, Ayotte used her budget speech to comment on the story and pitch for the new bail law.
“What happened in Manchester last Friday night is completely unbelievable, when an individual accused of repeatedly stabbing a complete stranger, and who has a prior conviction for domestic violence, is allowed to walk free by a magistrate. I cannot emphasize this enough,” Ayotte told the state legislators listening to her speech in the House chamber. “Send me legislation to fix this once and for all.”
Today, Korzen says Johnson needs to resign.
“Our community deserves leaders who act with the utmost vigilance and responsibility, particularly in matters where lives are at stake,” Korzen said. “My deepest sympathies remain with the family of Marisol Fuentes and all those affected by this senseless act. I urge you to consider the impact of this decision and to take the necessary steps to help our community heal and move forward.”