Sunny Hostin's Juror Claims in Cannibalism Trial Disputed

WHO:

US Magazine - Sunny Hostin, cohost of The View, revealed her role as a juror.

NY Post - Valerie Holmes, a juror from the 1991 cannibalism trial, provided a statement regarding the trial.

WHAT:

US Magazine - Sunny Hostin claimed she was the "holdout juror" in the murder trial of Daniel Rakowitz, known as the "Butcher of Tompkins Square Park."

NY Post - Valerie Holmes stated that the juror in question was "unemployed and liked the $15 a day and the three free meals."

WHERE:

US Magazine - The murder trial took place in New York City.

WHEN:

US Magazine - The murder trial of Daniel Rakowitz occurred in 1991.

US Magazine - Sunny Hostin made her revelation during the episode of The View on September 22.

WHY:

US Magazine - Hostin's admission was made while discussing another trial, that of Lindsay Clancy.

HOW:

US Magazine - Hostin's claim was made during a discussion on a television program, indicating her involvement in the jury process.

(UPDATED September 24, 2026 22:05 UTC)

Sunny Hostin, cohost of The View, recently revealed that she was the "holdout juror" in the infamous 1991 murder trial of Daniel Rakowitz, known as the "Butcher of Tompkins Square Park." During her admission, she discussed the trial while addressing another case, that of Lindsay Clancy, and noted that the juror in question was "unemployed and liked the $15 a day and the three free meals." This revelation comes as Valerie Holmes, a juror from the same cannibalism trial, provided her own statement regarding the proceedings in New York City.