Todd Scott: Man convicted in 1988 murder of NYPD officer Edward Byrne denied parole
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
NEW YORK: In a resolute stance against the release of Todd Scott, a key figure in the 1988 killing of NYPD Officer Edward Byrne, the state board of parole has denied his release, confirming the continuation of his 25-year-to-life sentence.
The brutal incident occurred during the height of New York City's crack cocaine epidemic, where Officer Byrne was targeted while guarding a witness's home in Queens.
What led to Todd Scott's arrest?
Scott's involvement in the orchestrated murder, allegedly paid for by a drug dealer seeking revenge, resulted in Byrne's tragic death. The NYPD recalls the somber event each year with a ceremony at the intersection marking the location of the officer's murder.
Having been convicted of second-degree murder, Scott, now 55, has been serving his sentence in Shawangunk, a maximum-security state prison. Despite becoming eligible for release in 2013, his recent parole hearing on January 23 ended in denial, with the next review scheduled for August 2025, as per AP.
Calls for justice against officer's killers
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed relief at Scott's continued incarceration and pledged ongoing resistance to the potential release of two other individuals implicated in the killing - David McClary and Phillip Copeland, set for parole hearings in April and November, respectively. Scott Cobb, identified as the driver in the 1988 slaying, was granted parole last year.
“We need New Yorkers to keep sending a message to the Parole Board: if you murder a New York City police officer, you must live out the rest of your days in a prison cell,” Hendry penned. In response, Kenneth Byrne, brother of Officer Edward Byrne, asserted that the denial of parole reinforces the principle that there is "no redemption for those who kill police officers."
“They tried to make an example of Eddie, sending a message to the police and the public that they ruled the streets,” he said and added, “It’s very comforting to know that message wasn’t reinforced this time around.” It remains unclear whether Scott has legal representation.
