PBA honcho Patrick Lynch speaks at a news conference to condemn the parole board for granting the release of cop killer Herman Bell on March 15. (SUSAN WATTS/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)
The NYPD’S largest union again demanded Sunday a new parole hearing for cop killer Herman Bell — citing a state official’s admission to the Daily News that state Parole Board members failed to review the sentencing minutes before deciding to release him.
The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association referenced The News’ article last week in a letter Friday to Tina Stanford, the Parole Board chairwoman, arguing that the admission in the article shows the board clearly violated the law.
Because of the procedural failure, the PBA said, Bell’s parole date should be rescinded and a new panel is required for a rehearing.
“This rogue Parole Board acts as if their authority comes directly from above and not from the clear and unambiguous state laws that govern their behavior,” PBA President Patrick Lynch said.
Board members read over the minutes after making the decision to release Bell, and the document didn’t change their position, the official told The News last week.
Bell and two other members of the Black Liberation Army were convicted of executing Police Officers Joseph Piagentini and Waverly Jones in cold blood on May 21, 1971, in Washington Heights.
Herman Bell was convicted of killing an NYPD cop in 1971. (AP)