The-Leader_2004-10-28

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69tih ¥iea,r, No. 44 Freeport, N.Y. 11520
The Community Newspaper
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Arrest made in Diana Correa's death
by Laura Schofer
After a four month investigation, an arrest has been made in the murder of Diana Correa. Kenneth Middleton, 23 years old, of Hempstead was charged last Friday, October 21, with two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Intentional and Depraved). These are both Class A felonies.
In addition, Mr. Middleton has been charged with assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony; and Assault Third Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor.
"The motive appears to be revenge," said Freeport Police Chief Michael Woodward.
On the night of June 21, Diana Correa, along with two teenage boys was sitting op the front porch of 53 North Columbus Avenue when Mr. Middleton rode by on a mountain bicycle. He beheved that one of the boys on the front porch had been responsible for knifing him in an incident that took place a few years earlier.
"The indictment alleges that Kenneth Middleton fired several shots from a handgun.at two males and a female who were sitting on the front porch of 53 North Columbus Avenue. As a result of the shooting, Diana Correa, 15 years old, [of Florida and formerly of Freeport] was killed and Michael Gillard, 16, of North Columbus Avenue was struck in the leg," said Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon.
"It was a case of mistaken identity," said Chief Woodward. No one on the porch was involved with Mr. Middleton.
The suspect was already in jail at the time of his indictment on unrelated drug charges.
"Mr. Middleton was known to Freeport Police. He was last arrested in Freeport in 2001," said Chief Woodward. In the past, Mr. Middleton had been arrested in Freeport on drug charges as well as assault.
The investigation was also conducted with the help of the Federal Bureau of
One problem, many solutions
in $50 million
Environmental Bond Act
by Laura Schofer
A swan on a lake in fall; a child drinking from a fountain; a fami­ly fishing from a dock; these are just a few of images used in a 30-second television commercial that hopes to persuade residents to vote in favor of the Nassau County's $50 miUion bond issue, which will appear on the November 2 ballot. It will cost taxpayers approximately • $7 a year to enact this referendum.
A coalition of environmental groups called Nassau Citizens for Clean Water and Open Space came to Wantagh Park on October 18 to help gamer support for the referendum. If passed, the environmental bond issue will help to protect clean drinking water supplies; acquire rapidly vanishing open space; renovate worn-out parks; remediate pollut­ed industrial brown Fields and reduce run-off into our streams, Icikes, wetlands, harbors and bays.
In addition to the. television spot that will appear on
Cablevision, TNT and Fox over the next few weeks, the coalition is planning a direct-mail cam­paign to residents within the town of Hempstead.
"It's important that people understand that this referendum is for everyone," explained Lisa Ott, executive director of the North Shore Land Trust. "It's more than just preserving open space."
Less support
Erik KuUeseid, New York State director for the Trust for Public Land, told The Leader that "the numbers show that there is just a little less support on the South Shore. We want people to under­stand that this measure includes stormwater control, wetland pro­tection and measures to refurbish the parks here on the South Shore."
Which parks? Mrs. Ott said they were still working on a list they would provide the Nassau County Planning Commission.
(continued on page 8)
Investigation's (FBI) Gang Task Force. Chief Woodward said Mr. Middleton had a history of gang involvement but did not know if he was still involved with gangs.
"Hopefully this arrest will give the family some measure of comfort and clo­sure," said Chief Woodward.
Chief Woodward told The Leader that the arrest was made after a concerted effort on the part of the pohce and the people in the community. "Community members assisted us in finding him as well as other individuals," said Chief Woodward.
Mr. Middleton appeared before Nassau County Court Judge Victor Ort on October 22. He pleaded not guilty. He was remanded and sent back to the Nassau County correctional Facility. He is due back in Court on November 10. His lawyer, Michael Mays, was unavail­able for comment prior to press time.
"We must remain vigilant in order to prevent these violent acts," said Chief Woodvvard and then added that "There is a transient gang presence in every com­munity. We all share the same problem."
Baldwin comes home
2004 BALDWIN HIGH SCHOOL Homecoming Court from left, Lord Alex Williams, Lady Ashley'Caceres, Duke Ricardy Fabres, Dutchess Kristin Ortiz, Prince Harrison Gross, King Kevin Bartlett and Queen Hallie Muscente. See page 18 for more Homecoming photos.
Freeport Fall Festival fun
"GOOD CHOWDER!" Freeporter Raquel Pachas enjoys the bill of fare at the , ,2004,Freeport:Fgll Festival. Fpr mpr^ on.this great,i^reeport event see pag^ 4.