The wheels of justice turn slowly.
I've been quietly trying for the better part of a year, now, to gain access to the full file on Petrit Vasi's accident, which occurred the night of Maura Murray's breakdown shortly before she disappeared. Some have suggested Maura was responsible for the accident or that she let someone (a pizza delivery driver, perhaps) borrow her car and it was that person who struck Vasi. Personally, I don't think this is the case. I think it's a totally unrelated accident and the timing is coincidental. However, I'm all for due diligence. Let's see the reports.
However, the records secretary at the Amherst Police Department -- Cpt. Jennifer Gunderson -- told me the full file was not available because it was "an open and active investigation." That raised some red flags for me as an old-school journalist. Vasi's case cannot be open and active because there is no chance for prosecution, as the statute of limitations for a hit and run (if that's even what it was) has long since expired.
So in September, I filed for redress. And finally yesterday, I received a notice in the mail that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts also believes Amherst PD have been playing fast and loose with open records laws. The police department must respond within 10 days.
I'll keep you posted.