VILLAGE OF MANLIUS – Eman Hussan, 18, one of the three teens arrested in connection with the killing of Faye and stealing her four cygnets, was in Manlius village court for his first appearance last Wednesday evening.
Hussan and the other two teens face charges of grand larceny, criminal mischief, conspiracy and criminal trespassing. Because they are younger than 18, the identity of the other two teens has not been made public.
As Hussan entered the court, a crowd of about 30 people was there, many with signs calling for stiff penalties for Hussan. Several in the crowd yelled “Shame!” and “Murderer!” as Hussan was led into the building by his attorney, Jeremy Cali.
“We need to know that this can’t happen again,” said Robyn Gilels-Aiello as she waited for Hussan to arrive. “Once they’re tried very strongly, maybe no one will do this again, or anything like it.”
“We hope that there is justice for Faye and that the swans can stay,” echoed Anita Smith, who said she grew up in Manlius and has been coming to see the swans since she was a little girl.
Before calling the defendant up, Judge Chaim Jaffe said he realized the case is emotional for many, but he warned those in attendance that any heckling of the defendant during the court proceedings would result in a contempt of court charge.
Hussan, wearing a white button-down shirt and black pants with tears at the knees, was led to the front of the courtroom by Cali, where Cali entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Jaffe asked Hussan about the end of the school year, and he replied that he was finishing his junior year at PSLA Fowler. Jaffe then sternly gave the defendant several warnings about his behavior.
“If you get in trouble, any kind, you’ll be right back here,” Jaffe told Hussan. “I don’t want to see you again because you haven’t done what was expected of you.”
As Hussan left, the crowd outside the courthouse had swelled to about 50 people, many of whom once again shouted at him as he made his way to a car in the parking lot.
Hussan is expected back in village of Manlius court on Aug. 3.