Murphy, Byrne Join Fight To Deny Parole For Brinks’ Bank Robber

ALBANY, NY – In 1981, Judith Clark was behind the wheel of a getaway car during a bank heist in Rockland County that left security guard Peter Paige, Police Sgt. Edward O’Grady and Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown dead. Ms. Clark was found guilty for her role in the robbery and was sentenced to 75 years in prison. Last month, Governor Cuomo commuted Ms. Clark’s sentence, making her eligible for parole this year. Two Hudson Valley lawmakers are joining the fight to deny Ms. Clark parole.

“We must send a clear message across New York State that killing a police officer will be met with serious consequences,” Senator Terrence Murphy said. “I clearly remember this incident occurring. There are victims of this heinous crime reliving it every day because this criminal may be paroled. My heart goes out to them.”

It is believed that the parole hearing for Ms. Clark will be scheduled for March. An online petition has been started, www.noparoleforjudithclark.com and residents are encouraged to sign in order to show their support for denial of parole.

New York State Assemblyman Kevin Bryne said, “With yesterday being National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, it is only fitting that we sign a petition that supports our local law enforcement, including those like Officer Brown and Sergeant O’Grady, who gave their lives in the line of duty. Judith Clark is a cop killer and should not have the slightest chance of receiving early parole.”

Mike Essig, President of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police said, “On behalf of the 20,000 members of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police, and all law enforcement professionals in this State, I express extreme disappointment in Governor Cuomo for granting clemency to this convicted terrorist and murderer. This action is an insult to all law enforcement personnel. We join Senator Murphy and Assemblyman Byrne to see that she is denied parole and that she finishes out the sentence determined by our judicial system.”

Keith Olson, President of the Affiliated Police Associations of Westchester said, “On behalf of the more than five thousand police officers that comprise the Affiliated Police Associations of Westchester and the Yonkers PBA, I must say that we are outraged at Governor Cuomo’s irresponsible decision to commute the sentence of cop killer Judith Clark. The commutation of her sentence is a miscarriage of justice, which is why we urge the parole board to deny Ms. Clark request for parole. We also urge everyone to sign the petition calling on the New York State Parole Board to deny Ms. Clark’s release.”