Ex-Episcopal church bishop who killed cyclist pleads guilty to manslaughter, drunken driving
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A former Episcopal bishop has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, drunken driving and leaving the scene at which she killed a cyclist.
Under an agreement with prosecutors, the state will ask a Baltimore Circuit Court judge next month to sentence Heather Cook to 10 years in prison.
Cook, then a newly installed bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, struck 41-year-old Tom Palermo on his bicycle on Dec. 27 near her home.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Cook entered her pleas Tuesday, the day before her trial was scheduled to start. She pleaded guilty to automobile manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, driving while intoxicated and texting while driving.
Cook resigned from her post as bishop shortly after charges were filed, and the Episcopal Church revoked her clergy credentials.