3-Time Cop Killer Released From Hudson Valley Prison

A man who killed three cops is a free man after spending 44 years in a local prison.

On Friday at 5 p.m., 70-year-old Herman Bell was released from the Shawangunk Correctional Facility.

In 1971, Bell and two others were convicted of murdering NYPD officers Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini. The officers responded to what turned out be a fake 911 call and were ambushed by the trio. Piagentini was shot over 20 times.

Bell also pleaded guilty to killing a police officer in California.

Download the Hudson Valley Post App

Bell was granted parole in March during his eighth parole hearing. Officials took into consideration Bell’s remorse for killing the officers, his earned bachelor’s and master's degrees while in prison and Bell’s counseling of other inmates, CBS reports.

Last week, a judge denied attempts by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association to keep Bell in prison until a court appeal was heard.

It’s believed that Bill will live with his family in New York City, according to WPIX.