NYPD Commissioner Calls Decision To Grant Parole For Convicted Cop Killer 'Indefensible'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man who murdered two members of the NYPD is about to walk free.
70-year-old Herman Bell has been granted parole. In 1971, he and two fellow members of the Black Liberation Army lured Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones to a housing complex in Harlem with a bogus 911 call.
Jones was shot once and died instantly, while Piagentini was shot 22 times.
Bell's sentence was 25-years to life.
He was denied parole seven other times, but could be released as soon as April 17th.
Today's decision by the NYS Parole Board to release admitted cop-killer Herman Bell — who carried out the premeditated assassinations of #NYPD Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones — is indefensible. My complete message to the brave men and women of @NYPDnews is attached: pic.twitter.com/Ebrka3pms1
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) March 14, 2018
NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill tweeted his response to the news, saying the decision to release Bell is "indefensible."