A New York judge has reserved a decision on whether a former radical who fatally shot two NYPD officers in 1971 should be released on parole.
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Koweek said he would start reviewing arguments from Friday's hearing on Monday, two days before Herman Bell was originally scheduled to be released from prison after serving 44 years.
Koweek said his temporary restraining order granted in a Patrolmen's Benevolent Association's lawsuit seeking to halt Bell's release remains in effect, essentially keeping the 70-year-old Bell behind bars until the judge issues a decision.
The state parole board last month approved Bell's release.
The PBA filed the lawsuit on behalf of Diane Piagentini, widow of one of the slain officers. Her lawyers contend the parole board didn't follow proper protocols in granting parole.
