Domestic Violence Judge Who Released Man Suspected of Killing Wife No Longer Hearing Cases

Anonymous Threats Cited as Reason for Suspension

A judge who declined to jail a man on domestic violence charges weeks before he allegedly killed his wife is no longer hearing cases, Cook County’s top judge announced Tuesday.

Investigation Underway

Cook County’s Chief Judge Timothy Evans announced that Judge Thomas Nowinski is not hearing cases and that his office is investigating “whether any employee failed to follow policies and procedures in this case,” according to a statement.

Lacramioara Beldie’s Death Reveals “Gaps in Policies and Procedures”

Lacramioara Beldie’s death revealed “gaps in policies and procedures,” Evans said in his press release, which opened with the statement “Lacramioara Beldie’s tragic death is one that should not have occurred.”

Previous Cases of Note

In October, Nowinski had rejected prosecutors’ request to jail Constantin Beldie at a detention hearing, despite prosecutors arguing that he was a flight risk and a threat to public safety. In the spring of 2024, Nowinski also denied a protective order against Crosetti Brand, a convicted felon with a history of domestic violence, who later allegedly stabbed the woman who sought the protection and killed her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins.

Advocacy Group Calls for Judge’s Removal

Advocacy groups last week issued a call for Nowinski to be removed from hearing domestic violence cases, with state Comptroller Susana Mendoza calling on Nowinski to resign.

Records of the Detention Hearing

At his detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Constantin Beldie was a flight risk and a threat to public safety, but Nowinski found they did not meet their burden of proof, according to a transcript of the hearing. Beldie was placed on GPS monitoring with some other restrictions.

Source Blames Prosecution

A source close to Nowinski blamed the prosecution for failing to disclose important background information during the detention hearing — including the prior order of protection and history of domestic violence.

Conclusion

The suspension of Judge Nowinski comes as a surprise to many, given the severity of the allegations against him. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the impact on the judiciary and the public’s trust remains to be seen.

FAQs

Q: What is the reason for Judge Nowinski’s suspension?
A: The reason for Judge Nowinski’s suspension is due to anonymous threats.

Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing.

Q: What is the impact of this on the judiciary?
A: The impact on the judiciary and the public’s trust remains to be seen.

Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The next step in the process will be the outcome of the investigation and any potential consequences for Judge Nowinski.