Judge returns to work in Texas, nearly 4 months after targeted attack put her in hospital
When a Texas judge came to work on Monday, she got a standing ovation from a packed courtroom.
That’s because it was state district Judge Julie Kocurek’s first day back in court after a targeted attack on Nov. 6 at her Austin home put her in the hospital for nearly two months. Someone left an object in her driveway, and when Kocurek went to move it, opened fire. Injured by shrapnel and shattered glass, the judge suffered the loss of a finger and still has her left arm in a cast, according to the Associated Press, KVUE’ and KXAN.
A man whose probation Korcurek was responsible for overseeing is a suspect in the case, but has not been charged. However, he is facing a murder charge in an unrelated case. A lawyer for Chimene Onyeri said in January that his client feels “railroaded” for crimes for which he isn’t responsible.
Kocurek will begin hearing cases on Tuesday, but on a part-time schedule as she continues with physical therapy on her arm.
She told well-wishers she feels “reborn” and “blessed” following the attack and is glad to be back at work.
“It gave me time to reflect,” she told the group Monday. “When you almost lose your life, it makes you appreciate every single person that has been important to you in your life. Each of you holds a place in my heart.”
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Person of interest in attack on judge is charged with murder in unrelated case”
