Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor
Brian Fischer, Commissioner (DOCCS)

Contact: Peter K. Cutler, Director of Public Information
518-457-8182 (o) or 518-925-5022 (c)
peter.cutler@doccs.ny.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2012

DOCCS Inmates Convicted of Murdering NYPD Police Officer Edward Byrne in 1988 Denied Parole

ALBANY – Two of four inmates convicted of murdering NYPD Police Officer Edward Byrne in 1988 in South Jamaica, Queens were denied parole yesterday by the New York State Board of Parole (see attached decision: McClary - Scott ).

Inmate David McClary (89A7511) was interviewed by videoconference at the maximum security Attica Correctional Facility on Wednesday, November 14th. This was McClary’s initial Parole Board appearance, which resulted in him being denied parole and held for 24 months. His next scheduled appearance will be in November 2014. He came into DOCCS custody on June 28, 1989 serving a sentence of 25 years to life for murder. McClary was identified as the shooter.

Inmate Todd Scott (89A8015) was interviewed by videoconference at the maximum security Wende Correctional Facility on Wednesday, November 14th. This was Scott’s initial Parole Board appearance, which resulted in him being denied parole and held for 24 months. His next scheduled appearance will be in November 2014. He came into DOCCS custody on July 12, 1989 serving a sentence of 25 years to life for murder.

The two additional inmates convicted in the murder have yet to have their Parole Board interviews. They are:

Inmate Philip Copeland (89A8015) was scheduled to be interviewed by videoconference at the maximum security Great Meadow Correctional Facility on Wednesday, November 14th for his initial appearance. However, the Board of Parole postponed the interview for two months or earlier for completion of records related to the matter. He came into DOCCS custody on May 16, 1989 serving a sentence of 25 years to life for murder.

Inmate Scott Cobb (89A6910) is scheduled to be interviewed the week of November 26th for his initial appearance on his 25 years to life sentence for murder.

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