Jeffrey Koonce's 1983 conviction vacated following support from DA Rocah
Patrons at the scene were robbed at gunpoint of cash, jewelry, and more. While Koonce maintained his innocence, he was ultimately convicted. He served an eight-year sentence.
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Jeffrey Koonce was convicted in 1983 on charges related to an armed robbery at Vernon Stars Rod and Gun Club in 1981.
Patrons at the scene were robbed at gunpoint of cash, jewelry, and more. While Koonce maintained his innocence, he was ultimately convicted. He served an eight-year sentence.
Following an investigation by the Westchester County district attorney's Conviction Review Unit, Koonce's conviction was deemed to be unconstitutional due to false testimony by one of the lead detectives on the case and improper photo identification methods.
After everything that transpired, Koonce, now 67, says he is not bitter. In part, he attributed the conviction to shaping the lives of his three kids.
"The decision that I made was that what happened to me will never happen to neither one of them," said Koonce, who bragged about his three thriving children.
One of his sons is Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce. One of his other sons, Dejuan Koonce, was present at the proceedings.
"Today is a happy day for me and my family to watch my dad be vindicated," said Dejuan Koonce. He is a former New York state trooper who attributes his career choice to his father's situation.
Karen Newirth, an attorney with Newirth Law PLLC, said in her in own words, "Today, justice has finally caught up with the truth."
When asked about his plans to celebrate, Koonce responded his plans are to go home with his family and be grateful for all of those who helped him.
