State Rep. DebraLee Hovey, R-Monroe, whose district includes part of Newtown, complained about State Police Col. Danny R. Stebbins’ release of information at a law enforcement gathering in New Orleans, where details of Adam Lanza’s research into mass killings was released. The information was published in the New York Daily News last weekend. State Police admitted the information was leaked in New Orleans and promised no further information would be coming until an official report is finished.
“In the strongest terms I reject the explanation from the State Police and Col. Danny Stebbins related to this incredibly insensitive release of information,” Hovey said in a statement. “The families and victims of this horrific act deserve the respect to be notified in advance of any and all releases of information. The fact Col. Stebbins chose to share details with a conference before families were notified and before any official findings have been released shows incredibly poor judgment and is unconscionable. Delaying release of important information to those affected is just plain wrong. The people of Newtown and the lawmakers on the bipartisan Task Force who are crafting legislation on gun control, mental health and school security- legislation that will affect the entire state- must have access to all of the official facts. The first time they see this should not be in the newspaper.”