Mount Vernon Judge William Edwards, Known For His Compassion, Dies

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Mount Vernon City Court judge with a reputation for being a fierce advocate for the community he served is today being remembered not just as a jurist, but as a keystone in the city he loved.

Judge William Edwards unexpectedly died on Monday, Mount Vernon Mayor announced.

"I am deeply saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Judge William Edwards today," Mayor Patterson-Howard wrote in a statement released shortly after his death. "I had the personal privilege to work with Judge Edwards in the City’s Drug Court and bear witness as he presided with charisma, passion, and most importantly, compassion for the residents of Mount Vernon. For his achievements on and off the bench, including almost 20 years as a City Court Judge and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, he will be most fondly remembered for his judicial acumen, advocacy, and unwavering beliefs. On behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Helena, and the entire Edwards family."

Officials did not immediately release the cause of the unexpected death.