Schumer: Cold-Blooded Murderers Who Planned and Carried Out the Execution of NYPD Officer Edward Byrne Must Again Be Denied Parole

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles. E Schumer today urged the Parole Board to deny parole to the four individuals convicted of the cold-blooded, contract killing of 22-year-old rookie officer, Eddie Byrne, in 1988. The four inmates, David McClary, Philip Copeland, Todd Scott and Scott Cobb, are scheduled to appear before the Parole Board this upcoming November. Eddie's brother, Larry Byrne, will appear before the Board on Friday, October 24th to argue against the bid.

In 2012, Schumer, along with Officer Eddie Byrne's brother, Larry Byrne, and PBA President Paddy Lynch, successfully argued against the murderers' parole. Today, Schumer is urging that these four inmates, once again, be denied parole at their upcoming hearing.

"These four men committed a horrendous crime by killing a police officer who was protecting a brave citizen. It wasn't just a ruthless murder, it was also a brazen attack on law, order and civil society, and for all that this parole bid should be denied," said Schumer. "We must continue to send the message that if you murder a police officer, and attempt to terrorize courageous community witnesses, you will serve the maximum sentence. This horrific act galvanized neighborhood leaders and policy makers to take a stronger stand against the kind of crime that was then ripping apart our communities. In response, we passed legislation including the Byrne Grants program in 1988 and the 1994 Crime bill, which I authored, to put more cops on the streets. In memory of Officer Edward Byrne, and on behalf of his family and brother, Larry Byrne, I strongly urge the Parole Board to deny parole to these four killers this November."

On February 26, 1988, newly recruited officer Eddie Byrne was sitting in his patrol car outside the home of a drug-case witness. While protecting the witness, Officer Byrne was shot in the head five times by gang members who were seeking $8,000 in blood money. A day before the assassination, their drug boss, Howard "Pappy" Mason, had been arrested. Mason offered up money to any thug who murdered a police officer in retaliation. These four men were sentenced 25 to life. Mason was sent away for life.

This horrific crime spurred a number of anti-crime programs across the nation. One such program was created in memoriam of Officer Byrne. The Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) program provides money to local police departments to ensure that police have all the necessary tools in fight against crime. Schumer was one of the key leaders in the creation of this program. The Byrne (JAG) program has allowed local municipalities and states hire countless more police officers to protect the streets from crime. New York has used funds from the Byrne JAG program to supplement the localities that were hurt by the recession. The program continues to maintain jobs throughout the nation and lowers the overall cost of the judicial system by spending funds on prevention and treatment to supplement funds spent on enforcement.

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