Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) stood alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt (R, C, IP), other members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences and members of the law enforcement community to continue calls for stronger oversight of the state parole board. Since 2017, the parole board has freed 41 cop killers. Another cop killer, Mitchell Martin, who killed NYPD Officer James Whittington in 1982 and was sentenced to a maximum term of life imprisonment, is scheduled for a parole board hearing on June 11, 2024.

“It is disturbing to see cop killer Mitchell Martin eligible for a parole hearing in just a few days,” said Smullen. “Martin stole NYPD Officer James Whittington’s life away from him—away from James’ family, friends and loved ones. This cop killer should not be eligible for parole this month, or any month in the future. To keep New Yorkers and other law enforcement officers safe from harm, Martin should remain behind bars for the remainder of his life.”