The family of the tragic Finest is celebrating the recent denial of parole for a man convicted in one of the most notorious cop killings in New York City history.
Todd Scott, who was sentenced to 25 years to life for his involvement in the 1988 assassination of 22-year-old rookie Officer Edward Byrne, will continue to be held at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Ulster County. This information is confirmed by union officials and state records.
Scott confessed that he had been hired to divert Byrne’s attention. At the time, Byrne, who was a rookie cop, was assigned to protect a witness’s residence in Queens. This witness was set to testify against the notorious drug kingpin, Howard “Pappy” Mason.
In a statement following the parole board’s decision on January 23rd to keep Scott in prison, Kenneth Byrne, Eddie’s brother, expressed his grief over the loss of his sibling. He emphasized that Eddie had a promising future ahead of him before his life was tragically cut short by a violent drug gang.
“They wanted to use Eddie as a warning, to show the police and the public that they were in control,” Kenneth explained, reflecting on the drug criminals responsible for his brother’s untimely demise. “It brings me great solace to know that their message did not prevail this time.”
“The most meaningful way to pay tribute to my brother’s sacrifice is by continuously demonstrating that there is no forgiveness for those who take the lives of law enforcement officers.”
According to Patrick Hendry, the President of the Police Benevolent Association, they are relieved to hear that this brutal cop-killer will stay in prison for the time being. However, he also mentions that their work is not yet complete.
According to Hendry, two of the individuals involved in the murders, David McClary and Phillip Copeland, are eligible for parole later this year.
Driver Scott Cobb, the fourth man convicted in the assassination, was released from prison last summer after serving 34 years behind bars. He is one of more than three dozen cop-killers that the board has released since 2017.
According to the PBA, Scott is set to be eligible for parole once again in August 2025.
The killing of Byrne gained widespread attention when he was shot while sitting in his marked car, dressed in his uniform. President Ronald Reagan personally reached out to his family to express his condolences.
Vice President George HW Bush proudly displayed Byrne’s badge during his campaign and continued to carry it with him when he assumed the presidency.
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