Javier de Luis, from Massachusetts, who lost his sister Graziella in the crash, said, “I am pleased to see the Judge has rejected this inappropriate and inadequate deal that did not serve the interest of justice, nor improve the safety of the flying public. I hope the Department of Justice takes this opportunity to go back and do its job and hold Boeing accountable for the deaths of 346 people.”
Ike and Susan Riffel of California, who lost their two sons, Melvin and Bennett, reacted to the judge’s opinion: “The judge did the right thing throwing this terrible plea deal out. This plea deal was nothing more than a get-out-of-jail-free card for Boeing. This deal didn’t hold anyone accountable for the deaths of 346 people and did nothing to protect the flying public. I’m very happy with Judge O’Connor’s decision, and now we can move forward with real justice for our loved ones. This is another step forward in holding the people accountable for the deaths of 346 people.”
Catherine Berthet of France, who lost her daughter, Camille Geoffroy, said, “As a forever grieving mother, I am so relieved by Judge O’Connor’s decision to reject the shameful plea deal negotiated by two parties, Boeing and the DOJ, who work together without any thought about the victims of the deadliest crime in recent American history. I am grateful to Judge O’Connor for opening his eyes and ears toward those, the victims, that Boeing and the DOJ keep dismissing and ignoring – slap in our faces after slap in our faces. Nevertheless, I know that we’ll have to look thoughtfully through the language of this decision and still be vigilant that Boeing will be totally held accountable for this crime. I am confident that Justice will be served and that there is only one way to achieve this: a fair trial.”
Paul Njoroge of Canada, who lost his wife and three young children in the crash, said, “The rejection of the plea deal is a step in the right direction in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 737 MAX crashes. It is significant in ensuring that Boeing is held accountable over the death of my wife, our children, my wife’s mum, and 341 other passengers and crew. I am happy to see that Judge O’Connor agreed with the families about the inadequacy of the plea deal, especially with respect to the selection and monitoring of the independent compliance monitor. Since the deaths of my family, I have been at the forefront, advocating for a revamped corporate governance and a better internal controls framework within Boeing. So far, Boeing has not heeded any calls for transparency regarding improvement in their corporate governance structure. Instead, they keep making unsubstantiated claims of improvements. The families would like to have the independent compliance monitor selected by the court. The monitor should also report to the court in order to guarantee Boeing’s compliance. I hope that this ruling will allow for a transparent process of selecting the independent compliance monitor. In addition, any negotiation for a prosecution agreement should factor in the death of 346 passengers and crew.”
For further information, call Clifford Law Offices Communications Partner Pamela Sakowicz Menaker at 847-721-0909 (cell) or email pammenaker@cliffordlaw.com.