Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I,Ref-Smithtown) today joined Assemblyman Kieran Lalor (R,C,I-East Fishkill) and other legislative colleagues in calling for the prevention of Anthony Bottom’s release from prison, who is up for parole during the week of June 11. Bottom, along with Herman Bell, was one of the individuals who murdered New York City Police Officers Joe Piagentini and Waverly Jones in May 1971. Only a few months later in August 1971, Bottom had also killed a San Francisco police sergeant who was working at his desk with a shotgun.

“Murder can never be tolerated, especially the murders of those who put their lives on the line to protect the public. The slayings of NYPD Officers Piagentini and Jones were cold-blooded and ruthless. These fine officers were ambushed. There is no justice if both of their murderers are set free,” said Fitzpatrick. “It was bad enough the parole board released one of the killers, it would be a travesty if both were to go free. I urge people to speak up to keep Bottom behind bars.”

A petition has been started which will be delivered to the parole board. Citizens may sign the petition here: https://www.standunited.org/petition/no-parole-for-cop-killer-anthony-bottom.