Seeking Justice for Megan McDonald: Family files complaints against Orange County DA and five other attorneys
The tragic murder of Megan McDonald in 2003 continues to haunt her family to this day. In a shocking turn of events, Megan’s mother and sister have taken a bold step towards seeking justice by filing formal disciplinary complaints against Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, four attorneys in his office, and former DA Frank Phillips.
This article will delve into the details surrounding the case, the allegations made by the McDonald family, and the potential implications for those involved.
1. The Murder of Megan McDonald:
Megan McDonald was a promising young woman whose life was cut short at just 20 years old. Her body was discovered in a field in the town of Wallkill, sending shockwaves through the community. It was later revealed that she had recently ended her relationship with Edward Holley before her untimely death.
2. The Second-Degree Murder Indictment:
After nearly two decades since Megan’s murder, an indictment for second-degree murder was finally handed down to Edward Holley in January of this year. However, this significant development came after District Attorney David Hoovler recused himself from the case due to a conflict of interest. A special prosecutor took over to ensure an impartial investigation.
3. Allegations Against Orange County DA David Hoovler:
The complaints filed by Megan’s family with the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District are aimed primarily at District Attorney David Hoovler. They accuse him of unethical conduct during his involvement in investigating Megan’s murder, potentially even crossing into criminal behavior.
4. Uncovering Potential Ethical Violations:
The heart of these complaints lies in whether or not Hoovler and his team adhered to ethical standards set forth by their profession during their handling of Megan’s case. The family alleges that both Hoovler and his assistants were aware of his conflict of interest but failed to take appropriate action as required by professional conduct guidelines.
5. Defense from District Attorney David Hoovler:
In response to these accusations, DA Hoovler has vehemently denied any wrongdoing on his part or that of his staff members involved in prosecuting Edward Holley for Megan’s murder. He asserts that they conducted themselves according to strict ethical standards governing attorneys and district attorneys alike.
6. Implications for Former DA Frank Phillips:
Apart from directing their grievances toward current District Attorney David Hoovler, Megan’s family has also named former DA Frank Phillips as one of the recipients of their formal complaints regarding potential ethical violations related to this case.
Conclusion:
The journey towards justice has been long and arduous for those seeking answers regarding Megan McDonald’s tragic death in 2003. With formal disciplinary complaints now filed against Orange County District Attorney David Hoover and four other attorneys connected with her case, it is clear that her family will stop at nothing until they find resolution and bring those responsible for her untimely demise to justice.