For over two decades, the family of Megan McDonald worked tirelessly to seek justice for her unsolved murder. They held events, put up billboards, and maintained a social media page dedicated to finding justice for Megan. However, after an arrest was made last year, the family turned their attention to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, accusing him of obstructing the investigation, failing to disclose a conflict of interest, and offering a secret plea deal to the suspect charged with Megan’s murder in 2003. These allegations were detailed in disciplinary complaints filed by Megan’s sister and mother against Hoovler.
The accusations against Hoovler came to light after a local reporter obtained an internal New York State Police report that alleged Hoovler tampered with the investigation into Megan’s murder. The detectives union and Megan’s family called for state and federal officials to investigate Hoovler’s alleged unethical actions. Hoovler denied these allegations, stating that he and his staff have always adhered to the highest ethical standards. He acknowledged the frustration of the family but emphasized the importance of appreciating significant details and legal realities in such investigations.
The suspect in Megan’s murder, Edward Holley, was indicted and is set to go on trial. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. The relationship between the state police, who led the investigation, and Hoovler’s office became strained, with Hoovler eventually recusing himself from the case due to a potential conflict of interest. It was revealed that Hoovler had once represented a suspect in the case and attempted to negotiate a plea deal with him while withholding information from the police.
The Whalen family felt betrayed by Hoovler’s actions and lack of disclosure regarding his former client and the plea deal negotiations. They accused Hoovler of working against the police and compromising the investigation. Hoovler defended his actions, stating that the meeting with the suspect and his lawyer followed all legal and ethical standards. He denied any wrongdoing or deception in his interactions with Holley, but legal experts interviewed believed that Hoovler’s conduct presented a clear conflict of interest that compromised the integrity of the case.
The ongoing conflict between Megan’s family and Hoovler has raised concerns about the handling of the investigation into Megan’s murder. The family feels that justice has been delayed and potentially hindered by Hoovler’s actions. They continue to push for a thorough investigation and accountability for any misconduct. The case highlights the challenges faced in seeking justice for victims of violent crimes and the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in the criminal justice system.
While Hoovler maintains his innocence and adherence to ethical standards, the accusations against him cast a shadow over the case and raise questions about the integrity of the investigation. As the trial of the suspect approaches, the spotlight remains on Hoovler’s actions and the need for a fair and thorough legal process to ensure justice for Megan and her family. The Whalens are determined to see the truth come to light and hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions in Megan’s murder.
