Cop-killer release decision delayed
ALBANY — A state judge on Friday put off a decision on whether cop killer Herman Bell should be released from prison.
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Koweek said he will rule “in the near future” on the case brought by Diane Piagentini — the widow of assassinated police officer Joseph Piagentini — who is challenging the state Parole Board’s decision to release Bell.
Bell, a former Black Liberation Army member who’s served nearly 40 years for the killing of Piagentini and fellow NYPD officer Waverly Jones in 1971, will remain in prison at least until Koweek issues a decision.
Koweek said a “significant issue” in the case is whether Piagentini’s widow has the legal ability to bring the case.
The Parole Board argues state law does not allow relatives of a victim to challenge it’s ruling.
Piagentini’s attorney Mitch Garber disputed the Parole Board’s argument, arguing that “if she doesn’t have standing to speak about the murder of her husband ... then who does?”