Zappala retains seat as DA
Facing primary challenge for 1st time in 20 years, he easily defeats Jenkins
The issues at the core of this year’s Democratic primary for Allegheny County district attorney included the handling of the trial for the East Pittsburgh police officer accused of killing Antwon Rose II; the use of cash bail to hold defendants prior to trial; and whether enough is being done to divert low-level offenders from the criminal justice system.
Despite supporters of political newcomer Turahn Jenkins making much of the longtime positions of incumbent DA Stephen A. Zappala Jr., their efforts were not enough to unseat him.
Mr. Zappala easily won the Democratic primary on Tuesday, and faces no Republican challenger on the ballot in November’s general election.
“We’ve accomplished so much over the years for the people of Allegheny County,” Mr. Zappala said shortly before receiving a concession call from Mr. Jenkins. “The political rhetoric notwithstanding, I think we’re the best office in Pennsylvania.”
Mr. Zappala, who has held the top law enforcement position in Allegheny County since 1998, gathered with a small group of friends and supporters Tuesday evening at Cupka’s Cafe II on East Carson Street.
It is the first time in 20 years that Mr. Zappala faced a challenger in the primary. Mr. Jenkins announced his candidacy in early July, just weeks after Antwon Rose II was shot and killed by East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld, leading to protests across the county.
The former chief deputy public defender thought it was the right time to challenge the status quo.
“I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t sit back while I got a son and I got a daughter out here in this world and let things continue,” Mr. Jenkins told supporters Tuesday night at Sugar and Smoke in Bloomfield. “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it for my family, and I can’t do it for yours either.”
Mr. Rosfeld was acquitted by a jury brought in from Dauphin County on March 22, and the verdict was immediately questioned in some circles.
Mr. Zappala’s prosecution team faced criticism, with some claiming the attorneys didn’t work the case as hard as they should have.
Mr. Jenkins was one of those voices, questioning, among other things, why the prosecution failed to call an expert witness to discuss Mr. Rosfeld’s use of deadly force.
Mr. Zappala defended his attorneys and said that the law that governs justification for police officers’ use of force is flawed.
“I understand people are disappointed in things that have gone on, and we have to try to work harder,” Mr. Zappala said.
Although he believes the necessary fix should be made by the state legislature, Mr. Zappala said he is not confident there are enough votes to do that. Instead, he said he will pursue changes through the Rules of Criminal Procedure and changing the instructions read to jurors prior to deliberations.
During the campaign, Mr. Zappala touted his record in helping to create diversionary courts including for mental health, drug abuse, DUIs, domestic violence and veterans.
He also said that he has worked hard to hold police officers accountable, including pushing the issue of body cameras, and installing surveillance cameras in locations
around the county, and particularly on the South Side.
Mr. Jenkins said he never thought he’d enter politics but now won’t rule out a future run. “Now that I’ve been through it, I know what it takes,” he said.
Mr. Jenkins campaigned on a platform that called for diversion of low-level offenders before they enter the criminal justice system and get a criminal record, as well as reducing the mass incarceration of black people.
“I have no regrets. I feel good. I’m proud of what I was able to do,” Mr. Jenkins said. “I think people are becoming aware of the district attorney’s role in the criminal justice system. I think it exposed that office.”