Bergen Courthouse Evacuated as Michael Sampson Murder Sentence is Beginning
By Mary K. Miraglia
HACKENSACK, N.J. (April 28 2017) — The Bergen County Courthouse was evacuated abruptly today, Friday April 28, at about 3:30 p.m. just as a murder sentence was getting underway.
As the defense attorney was addressing minor details of his client’s pre-sentence investigation, officers of the Bergen County Sheriff began calmly and efficiently to clear the room in Presiding Judge Margaret M. Foti’s court.
There were about 100 spectators on hand to see convicted murderer Michael Sampson of Garfield sentenced for the murder of Hector “Tito” Zabala Jr. Officers first removed the defendant and placed him in a holding cell, then escorted Judge Foti and her staff out of the room. At this point there was no indication of what was happening.
In a few more minutes an alarm sounded through the building’s intercom system, telling everyone to evacuate the building by the nearest exit. Officers guided civilians and employees alike out of the building and across the street, away from it. Employees said there were told there might be a bomb threat.
The last time Sampson was in court for sentencing, about seven weeks ago on March 10, he was successfully able to delay the hearing by suing all his lawyers the previous day.
A sheriff’s spokesman told Attorney Weekly that court employees were allowed back into the building about 4:30 p.m., the end of the court work day, but couldn’t say where any court matters continued.
