The family of a slain New York City police officer is determined to keep the cop killer behind bars after a successful appeal of the parole board's release denial last year.
Andy Dwyer, whose brother Anthony was tragically killed nearly 35 years ago while serving in the line of duty, recently shared the family's concerns and motivations for opposing the killer's potential release.
The killer, Eddie Matos, is currently serving a 25 years to life sentence for the 1989 murder of Officer Anthony. Matos pushed Anthony off a Times Square roof during a violent incident involving armed robbery at a McDonald's, resulting in the officer's tragic death.
Dwyer expressed his disbelief at the possibility of Matos being set free, emphasizing the impact it would have on their family and the injustice it would represent. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to prevent Matos from being released, including a petition that gathered over 30,000 signatures in support of keeping him incarcerated.
Despite Matos' repeated denials of parole over the past decade, a technicality issue with his paperwork last year provided him with another opportunity for release, prompting the family to intensify their fight to ensure he remains in prison.
Dwyer fondly remembered his brother Anthony as an exceptional individual who dedicated his life to serving and helping others. Anthony's selfless acts of volunteering at the church, assisting the elderly, teaching religious instruction, and serving as a volunteer firefighter showcased his compassionate and caring nature.
If Matos were to be released, he would join a concerning trend of cop killers being set free in New York, with 42 such cases reported since 2017. Despite Matos' repeated parole denials, the family remains vigilant in their efforts to prevent his release and seek justice for Officer Anthony.
