A man convicted for his involvement in the infamous drug-related murder of a rookie New York City police officer during the city’s crack epidemic has been denied parole, announced a union representing NYPD officers on Sunday.
Todd Scott, serving a 25-year to life sentence for his role in the fatal shooting of Officer Edward Byrne in Queens in 1988, had his parole request rejected. Byrne, just 22 years old and newly enlisted, was killed while stationed in his police cruiser guarding a witness’s residence in a drug case.
According to authorities, Scott was part of a group of four individuals paid $8,000 to carry out the hit on Officer Byrne in retaliation for the arrest of drug dealer Howard “Pappy” Mason.
Police reports indicate that Scott approached the passenger side window of Byrne’s vehicle and diverted the officer’s attention while another assailant fired five shots, resulting in Byrne’s death on the early morning of February 26, 1988. The NYPD commemorates the tragic event each year with a solemn ceremony at the intersection where Byrne lost his life.
Scott, convicted of second-degree murder, has been serving his sentence at the Shawangunk maximum-security state prison. Despite being eligible for parole since 2013, his latest application has been denied, rendering him ineligible until August 2025, as per the state corrections department’s online inmate database.
Representatives for the department did not respond to requests for comment, and it remains unclear whether Scott has legal representation.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, expressed relief at the parole denial for Scott, vowing to continue opposing the release of two other individuals convicted in connection with the killing: David McClary and Phillip Copeland, whose parole hearings are scheduled for April and November, respectively. Scott Cobb, identified as the driver during the crime, was granted parole last year.
Hendry emphasized the importance of sending a clear message to the parole board that the murder of a New York City police officer merits lifelong imprisonment. Kenneth Byrne, the brother of the slain officer, echoed this sentiment, asserting that denying parole reinforces the consequences for those who target law enforcement officers.
“They tried to intimidate Eddie, sending a signal to both the police force and the public that they controlled the streets,” Byrne remarked. “It’s reassuring to see that message hasn’t been upheld this time.”
