The mother of a New York City EMT who was brutally stabbed in the back of an ambulance has expressed concerns about the accused attacker facing minimal consequences due to New York state's bail reform and sentencing guidelines.
Julia Fatum, a 25-year-old EMT, was attending to a patient when the incident occurred on July 19. The attacker, 48-year-old Rudy Garcia, allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Fatum multiple times after she asked him to stop throwing a gum wrapper at her. Garcia has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault.
Garcia, who has a history of assaulting police officers and previous misdemeanor charges, is currently being held at Rikers Island on $500,000 bail. However, it is unclear whether he will be released due to New York State's bail reform laws, which allow nonviolent criminals to await their court dates outside of jail without posting bail. The mother of the injured EMT, Cara Fatum-Grant, has been vocal about her disdain for the state's bail reform policies and fears that Garcia will face minimal consequences for his actions.
Fatum-Grant spoke to Fox News Digital about her daughter's injuries and the impact they have had on her life. Despite her determination to recover, Fatum still faces significant physical and mental challenges. She is unable to return to work and has limited function in her left hand and arm, as well as difficulty walking. Fatum-Grant expressed concern that her daughter's struggle may be in vain if Garcia is not held accountable for his actions.
The mother criticized New York State's bail reform legislation, which went into effect in 2020, stating that it has failed its citizens and created a system that protects criminals. She highlighted the danger posed by Garcia, who has been caught and released multiple times. Fatum-Grant, her husband, and their 16-year-old son have had to travel regularly from their home in Boiceville, Ulster County, to assist their daughter in New York City. They have taken time off from work to support her during her recovery.
Fatum's passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in the medical field. Despite the traumatic incident, she remains determined to stay in New York City and continue her education. She plans to apply to master's programs in the area to become a physician assistant. Fatum-Grant mentioned that her daughter has received an outpouring of support from her community, including letters from teachers, local officials, and old friends. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Fatum's coworker has also raised nearly $45,000 to assist with her medical expenses.
While Fatum's future as an EMT is uncertain, her mother believes that she may choose to continue in the field due to her resilience and determination. Fatum-Grant emphasized that her daughter is not one to give up easily. Despite the challenges she faces, Fatum remains committed to her goal of helping others in the medical profession.
The case of Julia Fatum highlights the concerns surrounding New York state's bail reform laws and their potential impact on public safety. As the legal proceedings continue, Fatum and her family hope for justice and accountability for the accused attacker.
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