Albany Homicide Unit Bureau Chief internationally recognized

ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The International Homicide Investigators Association recognized Homicide and Violent Crimes Bureau Chief Jessica Bain-Lewis, alongside Senior Investigator Amy Kowalski of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, with the Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Homicide Cases on Thursday. ADA Blain-Lewis and Senior Investigator Kowalski were recognized for their critical work in securing the conviction of Jacob Klein , who received the maximum sentence for killing Philip Rabadi in April 2022 in New Scotland.

According to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, ADA Blain-Lewis’ work goes beyond the Rabadi case, having closed several homicide cases within the last 10 months, including those of Jaiquan Allah, Aalias Gilbert, Roland Riggins, Justin Walker, and Jordan McKenzie. Having begun as an intern with the office over two decades ago, District Attorney David Soares says she is among “the most deserving people” for the award.

“Jessica Blain-Lewis started as an intern in this office over two decades ago, and has grown into a shining example of what a prosecutor should be,” said DA Soares. “While the work she does may, at times, feel thankless, I want to personally thank her for investing in this community and helping to make Albany County a safer place. She is among the most deserving people I can think of to receive this award.”

“I’m honored to have been recognized internationally for the role I’ve had in advocating for victims,” said Blain-Lewis. “But what happens in the courtroom is only a small fraction of the
work that goes into trying cases. I absolutely have to recognize the staff I work with every day who provide so much support for what I do. So, I share this award with every investigator, trial assistant, secretary, and fellow ADA who has helped me along the way.”

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