By David Lohr
August 13, 2007
NEW YORK (Crime Library) — Last week, police arrested Michael Cordero, 23, in connection with the death of his estranged girlfriend, Boitumelo "Tumi" McCallum, 20. Following a failed suicide attempt, police transported Cordero to a nearby hospital, where police say he told nurses, "I killed my girlfriend. I couldn't take it, so I tried to kill myself." Cordero was arraigned at the hospital on Friday, at which time several new details in Tumi's murder were revealed.
Judge Melissa Jackson and Assistant District Attorney Martha Bashford arraigned Cordero on second-degree murder and three counts of petit larceny from the Criminal Court Building in Lower Manhattan linked to the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital via closed-circuit television.
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| Michael A. Cordero |
Cordero, clad in a pale hospital gown, sat next to his attorney, Eric Sears, during the proceedings. When asked by Judge Jackson if he had consented to having his arraignment conducted electronically, Cordero responded, "Yes, your honor." Judge Jackson then asked Cordero if he had been given a chance to confer privately with his lawyer. Appearing a bit bewildered, Cordero leaned over and asked his attorney, "Are you Mr. Sears?"
After establishing Cordero had met with his attorney prior to the arraignment, Bashford advised the court of the charges against Cordero and read a statement she said he gave authorities on August 8.
"I strangled her after a fight. I wrapped her up and left her on the floor. I cut my wrists," Bashford summarized.
Next Page
Michael Cordero Implicated in Boitumelo "Tumi" McCallum's Murder
Boitumelo "Tumi" McCallum Found Dead in New York University Apartment
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