Rocah assumed office in 2021 and did not serve in the District Attorney’s office during the prosecution of Days. She refrained from divulging specifics concerning the individuals she identified as being “involved” in the homicides, citing that the investigation was still in progress. Her office disclosed that the recent developments necessitated further work before any potential future actions could be taken. However, Rocah’s tenure is drawing to a close as she is set to leave office this week after opting not to seek re-election for a second term.
In a statement issued on Monday, Rocah expressed her optimism that the significant developments would prompt ongoing investigation and measures to secure justice for the families of Mr. Harris and Ms. Ramcharan. Incoming District Attorney Susan Cacace subsequently committed to scrutinizing cases akin to the double homicide. Both Rocah and Cacace belong to the Democratic Party.
Garber conveyed his confidence in Cacace’s administration, asserting that they would proceed to “charge and penalize those truly responsible” for the killings. Harris, aged 79, was a recently widowed affluent individual who was recognized in his locality for boasting about harboring substantial amounts of cash at his residence in Eastchester. He had a record with law enforcement due to complaints from his caregivers. Charges were leveled against him for coercing one aide—Days’ mother—to engage in a sexual act and for brandishing a firearm at another helper.
Surprisingly, Harris had left a mere $19,000 of his estate to Ramcharan, with the remainder reverting to his family, despite her being the primary beneficiary. This was due to the tragic fact that Ramcharan perished alongside Harris on November 21, 1996. Five years later, Days was apprehended. He provided authorities with a video confession that his attorneys later contended was coerced and inaccurate.
“I am innocent of this crime. I have no knowledge of who perpetrated it. I am completely unaware,” Days professed to a judge in 2004. The first and third trials ended in mistrials, while the second and fourth resulted in murder convictions and 50-year prison sentences, both of which were subsequently overturned.
Upon his acquittal in the fifth trial, Days had spent 16 years incarcerated. In 2021, Rocah established a Conviction Review Unit to investigate claims of wrongful convictions. Last year, the unit commenced an inquiry into the Harris and Ramcharan case. As of Monday, contact details for the relatives of Ramcharan and Harris were not readily available.