Review Criticizes Handling Of Abuse Allegations Against Remy Prior To Murder

BOSTON (CBS) – With Jared Remy's case concluding with his guilty plea and sentencing to life in prison, without the possibility of parole, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan on Tuesday afternoon released the results of an independent review that criticized prosecutors' handling of abuse allegations against Remy.

Some had questioned whether Remy's violent history had been overlooked when he was arrested Aug. 13 after he allegedly pushed his girlfriend, Jennifer Martel, into a mirror.

Two days later, after being released on personal recognizance, Remy stabbed Martel to death.

The review by former Essex District Attorney and Secretary of Public Safety Kevin M. Burke and Norfolk First Assistant District Attorney Jeanmarie Carroll found: "In this instance, the absence of a dialogue among colleagues or request for a supervisor's opinion for both the assistant district attorney and the victim witness advocate is striking. We find that critical information that was available at the time of arraignment and additional critical information readily available … was not given appropriate attention or weight."

In a statement, Ryan said that prior to receiving the findings of the review, she made changes to ensure increased communication and instituted new procedures on bail recommendations.

Bail recommendations by assistant district attorneys in domestic violence cases now must be reviewed and approved by a supervisor or second prosecutor.

Ryan said that based on the changes she has made, Burke and Carroll  "do not believe any comprehensive overhaul is needed."

Laura Van Zandt of "Reach," an organization that works with women to plan their escape from abusive relationships, says control is always at the forefront of domestic violence.

"In that moment when she said I'm leaving and I'm taking our daughter, that basically eliminated the control he had over her and that is an extremely dangerous time," she said.

For more domestic violence resources:

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON