Uncle of Bucks Co. murder victim reacts to arrests
SOLEBURY TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The uncle of one of the four men killed in Bucks County spoke to Action News on the day homicide charges were filed against two cousins.
Cosmo DiNardo, 20, of Bensalem and Sean Kratz, 20, of Northeast Philadelphia are both in custody and being held without bail.
Craig Patrick, the uncle of 19-year-old victim Jimi Patrick of Newtown, is coming to terms with the news.
"This is a methodically plotted out calculated chain of events. This isn't something that happened because a drug deal went south," Patrick said.
The D.A. made a deal with DiNardo to spare him the death penalty if he talked.
"I'm OK with that," Patrick said. "I don't believe in the death penalty. I'd rather see him sit in prison for the next 60 years."
As the harrowing details of the murder of the four young men became public, people in the community reacted with horror... and compassion for the families.
"I have an 18-year-old son, so I am upset deeply inside for everybody that's involved," said Elizabeth Benedict of Furlong, Pa.
"You're speechless on these things. You just don't know what to say, but it happens all the time - and you just shake your head and say 'no reason behind it,'" said Brad Friedman of Yardley.
And while Patrick's uncle was okay with sparing at least one of the killers the death penalty, others aren't so sure.
"I personally think he should get the death penalty. I know Pa. hasn't done it in many years, but for someone to have complete disregard for any human life? I don't know he still gets to live. They don't get to live anymore," said Nick DiCicco of Pottstown, Pa.
VIDEO: DA announces charges against DiNardo and Kratz
Patrick was a student at Loyola University in Maryland. On Friday the university's president sent the following statement:
We have now received the official announcement of the death of Jimi Patrick, Class of 2020. You are probably reeling, as am I, with the news of the loss of a valued member of our community, particularly through such horrific violence.
As a community, we are understandably sad, angry, and confused. We will grieve, support one another, and continue to surround Jimi's loved ones in comfort and prayer. We will also find ways to celebrate Jimi's life and memory. In the coming days, we will gather on campus, and we will plan a memorial Mass for the fall when students return.
As we are all deeply affected by news, I encourage you to take care of yourself. Reach out to those you know in the Loyola community, and turn to your friends and family at home. Try to take some space from the news coverage. Please do not hesitate to contact the employees in the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, or the student life office, all of whom are prepared to help you.
If you need assistance outside regular business hours, please call the department of public safety at 410-617-5911, and they will connect you with someone who can help.
At a time of such grief, let's seek strength in the comfort and compassion we can offer to one another. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "All the darkness in the world can't extinguish the light of a single candle."
Please join me in ongoing prayers for Jimi, his family, and all those affected by these events. You are each in my prayers, as well.
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