Review launched after criticism of magistrate in Berlin case

News 9 Investigates has learned there is an internal review underway to determine why a man was released on cash bail just months before police say he murdered his wife and killed himself.Michael Gleason Jr. was accused of sexually assaulting his wife, Marisol Fuentes, and was released on cash bail. Police said he shot her to death in a Berlin restaurant Sunday.Berlin residents and officials said they’re outraged over Fuentes’ death, calling her a beacon of hope in their community. They have raised questions about how a man facing charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and domestic violence against his wife was able to be back in public putting her in danger once again.”This is devastating,” Executive Councilor John Stephen said. “It’s outrageous that this individual would even be out on bail.”>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“I don’t know how someone could make this mistake,” Berlin Mayor Robert Cone said. “I really don’t.”Weeks before Fuentes was killed, Gleason was arrested and charged with sexual assault. He was released by a magistrate on $5,000 cash bail.”Why did this magistrate let this person go?” Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney said. “It’s beyond comprehension.”Days later and again weeks later, two separate judges in two different courts kept that bail in place. News 9 Investigates has confirmed there is an internal review happening within the magistrate’s office to figure out what happened.”It all was taken away by a madman and a court system that fell short,” Kenney said.Legal analyst Patricia LaFrance said a lot goes into determining what bail amounts and conditions will be, including criminal history, flight risk and public safety. She said a person’s socioeconomic status can play a role.”It’s a tragic situation,” she said. “One of a judge’s worst fears is that something like this happens. They try to be fair and unbiased and balanced in their decisions.”The same magistrate was involved in another controversial case in Manchester earlier this year when she released a stabbing suspect without cash bail. He claimed the stabbing was self-defense. The suspect had a criminal record of domestic violence.

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