Murdered cop's brother protests killer's parole

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - The family of an NYPD officer killed in the line of duty doesn't want another family to go through what they've gone through.

Patrolman Waverly Jones and Patrolman Joseph Piagentini were lured to a Harlem housing project with a bogus 911 call for the purpose of assassinating them in 1971.

One of the convicted killers, Herman Bell, now 70, is set to be released on parole after serving 45 years in prison.

Jones's brother, Manny Jones, and the PBA, the police union, held a press conference Friday to call for the firing of the state's parole board and the reversal of the board's decision. Manny Jones said that his life was shattered when his brother was killed. PBA President Patrick Lynch said the members did not do their jobs and should leave.

Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo said they believe Bell should remain in prison.

But Assemblyman Charles Barron and a coalition of Bell's supporters are standing with the parole board's decision. Barron said the mayor and the governor should "shut up and let justice prevail."

"Shut up and stop intimidating the parole board," he said.

Bell's attorney read a statement from Patrolman Jones's son, who also supports Bell's release. In the statement, the son said, "In these times of increased hate, we need more compassion and forgiveness" and that Bell has taken responsibility and has expressed genuine remorse.

This fight is far from over. Anthony Bottom was also convicted in the murders. He comes up for parole in June.