Bishop Charged in Cyclist Death Released from Jail on Bond

By Juliet Linderman
Charlotte Observer
January 15, 2015

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/01/15/5449718/bishop-charged-in-cyclist-death.html#.VLjQi_l_uSp

BALTIMORE An Episcopal bishop facing manslaughter charges after authorities say she struck a cyclist while driving drunk in Baltimore has been released from jail.

Documents show Heather Cook posted a $2.5 million bond on Thursday. Cook was charged with manslaughter, drunken driving and other related charges after striking and killing Tom Palermo while he was riding his bicycle. Cook registered 0.22 blood-alcohol content during a breath test shortly after the wreck. The legal limit in Maryland is 0.08.

An attorney representing Cook says she is returning to an inpatient alcohol treatment facility. Cook is not permitted to drive.

Earlier this week, a judge upheld the $2.5 million bond.

Cook is the second-highest ranking bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and its first female bishop. She was ordained as bishop in September.

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