Key Takeaways

• Cop Killer Parole Trend: Around 40-45 cop killers have been released in New York since 2017, with McClary potentially joining the list in 2025.
• The 1988 Murder: McClary gunned down rookie cop Edward Byrne on orders from a drug kingpin, a crime that shocked the nation.
• Family and Community Outrage: Byrne’s family, led by brother Lawrence, fiercely opposes McClary’s release, citing unresolved grief and safety risks.

The Crime That Shook New York: Edward Byrne’s Murder

On February 26, 1988, 22-year-old NYPD rookie Edward Byrne sat in his patrol car in Queens, guarding a witness set to testify against drug lord Howard “Pappy” Mason. With just a month on the job, Byrne had no chance when David McClary and three accomplices—Philip Copeland, Todd Scott, and Scott Cobb—ambushed him. McClary, identified as the triggerman, executed Byrne in a ruthless act that symbolized the lawlessness of the crack epidemic gripping New York City in the 1980s.

The assassination stunned the city and the nation, prompting a crackdown on drug-related crime. By 1989, McClary and his crew were convicted, each handed 25-years-to-life sentences. But now, decades later, McClary’s parole hearing looms, reigniting old wounds and raising new questions.

Why McClary’s Possible Parole Matters

If David McClary is released in April 2025, he’d mark a troubling milestone—potentially the 44th cop killer freed in New York since 2017. This trend has law enforcement and families on edge, with estimates suggesting 40-45 such releases over the past eight years. For Byrne’s loved ones, especially his brother Lawrence, a former NYPD deputy commissioner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Lawrence has spoken out about the family’s enduring pain, emphasizing how his elderly mother still mourns her son’s loss. The community echoes this sentiment, holding annual vigils to honor Byrne’s sacrifice. Critics argue that letting McClary go could threaten public safety, especially given his role as the shooter in a calculated hit.

Inside McClary’s Prison Time and Parole Chances

McClary’s been behind bars since 1989, eligible for parole since around 2014 due to his 25-to-life sentence. While public details about his prison conduct are scarce, a notable moment came in 1999 when he won a $660,000 settlement for mental distress caused by solitary confinement. Whether he’s shown remorse or rehabilitation remains unclear, but his April 2025 parole hearing will decide his fate.

Meanwhile, his accomplices have faced mixed outcomes:

• Scott Cobb, the getaway driver, walked free in August 2023 after 34 years.
• Todd Scott was denied parole in January 2024, with his next shot in August 2025.
• Philip Copeland faces a parole board in November 2024, opposed by Byrne’s family.

McClary’s hearing could tip the scales in this ongoing saga, adding fuel to the debate over cop killer releases.

The Bigger Picture: Cop Killers Walking Free

New York’s parole system has come under fire as more cop killers gain freedom. Reports from mid-2024 pegged the number at 41 or 42 releases since 2017, with McClary’s potential parole pushing that count higher. Law enforcement leaders and lawmakers have slammed the trend, arguing it undermines justice and endangers communities. Supporters of parole reform, however, point to rehabilitation and second chances—but for families like the Byrnes, that’s a tough sell.

What’s Next for David McClary?

As April 2025 nears, all eyes are on McClary’s parole hearing. Will he join the growing list of freed cop killers, or will the board keep him locked up? The decision will ripple beyond this single case, intensifying the clash between victim rights, public safety, and criminal justice reform in New York.

For now, the Byrne family and their supporters hold firm, determined to see McClary serve out his life sentence. Whatever happens, this case remains a stark reminder of a dark chapter in NYC’s history—and a lightning rod for today’s parole controversies.