Juror in Wright trial comes forward

NORTH COLLINS, N.Y. (WIVB) - One day after a conviction on all counts in the sexual torture trial of Luke Wright, a juror is coming forward. Wright now awaits a prison term for the abuse of his disabled half-sister, Laura Cummings.

Mark Wybieracki said, "I would not want to have to go through something like this again. It took a lot out of me."

Wybieracki is one of the six men and six women who found Luke Wright guilty in one of the most gruesome criminal trials in recent history. Wright was found guilty on ten counts of raping, sodomizing, and torturing his half-sister Laura Cummings in their North Collins home, described by investigators as a "house of horrors."

"That somebody could do stuff to a human being, a handicapped human being, that could go through so much abuse and everything that she did," said Wybieracki.

Luke Wright and Laura Cummings' mother is serving a life sentence for murdering Laura and the defense tried to convince jurors that Wright's mental retardation, exacerbated by a lifetime of physical and sexual abuse, skewed his understanding of right and wrong.

Wybieracki said, "He wasn't all there, but he knew what he was doing. He knew the difference between right and wrong. And he made a couple comments to police, you know, 'This is my sister; I shouldn't be doing, I know it is wrong.'"

Throughout the trial, the defense and prosecution named a cousin of the Cummings, Joyce Landahl, who controlled much of the family's finances, including the Social Security checks for Laura, Luke, and their mother Eva Cummings. Defense attorneys suggested she helped cover up Laura's abuse and prosecutors referred to an investigation.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Finnerty said, "I told you that you might hear suggesting other people should be charged. You all promised you wouldn't be distracted. You will keep the focus on this defendant. Having said that, there is a pending an investigation regarding Joyce."

But following Wright's conviction, District Attorney Frank Sedita was asked about a possible probe and responded he cannot confirm or deny any investigation past, present, or pending.

The family tragedy in North Collins led to a state hearing in Buffalo, prompting lawmakers to draft legislation in honor of Laura Cummings. Officials say "Laura Cummings Law" is on track for passage this year. It would increase protective measures and require more reporting on suspected cases of adult abuse. The bill is expected to be passed in the State Senate next month.