An individual who was found guilty in the high-profile murder of a rookie NYPD officer during the peak of New York City’s crack cocaine crisis many years ago has been denied parole, according to state corrections officials.
Todd Scott had been sentenced to 25 years to life for his involvement in the tragic shooting of Officer Edward Byrne in Queens. In 1988, Byrnes tragically lost his life while on duty, sitting in his police cruiser outside the residence of a witness involved in a drug case.
According to authorities, Scott was involved in a group of four individuals who were allegedly paid $8,000 to carry out the murder of a 22-year-old officer. The motive behind the crime was believed to be retaliation for the arrest of a drug dealer known as Howard “Pappy” Mason.
In the early morning hours of Feb. 26, 1988, it was reported that Scott approached the passenger side window of Byrne’s car, diverting the officer’s attention, while another individual fired five shots at him.
Each year, a solemn ceremony is held by the police at the intersection where Byrne tragically lost their life. Scott was found guilty of second-degree murder and has been incarcerated at the maximum-security state prison in Shawangunk.
Release Eligible Individual Denied Parole
The individual, who has been eligible for release since 2013, recently appeared before the state parole board on Jan. 23.
However, their request for parole was denied, according to a spokesperson from the corrections department. The next time he will be in front of the board is in August 2025.
It is unclear at this time whether Scott has legal representation.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed his relief that Scott remains behind bars in a statement. The union expressed its ongoing opposition to the release of two additional individuals who were convicted in the killing.
According to the union, David McClary and Phillip Copeland have upcoming appearances before the parole board in April and November, respectively. Scott Cobb, the individual identified by law enforcement as the driver involved in the slaying, was released on parole in the previous year.