No Parole For Herman Bell

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

On Friday, May 21, 1971, New York City Police Officers Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini were shot and killed while on foot patrol in the Colonial Park Houses public housing complex. They were ambushed by Herman Bell, Albert Washington and Anthony Bottom, all members of the Black Liberation Army.

As the two officers were returning to their RMP at approximately 10:00 pm, three suspects snuck up behind them and opened fire. Officer Jones was struck in the back of the head and killed instantly. Officer Piagentini was shot 13 times and succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.


Herman Bell, Albert Washington and Anthony Bottom were all sentenced to 25 years to life. Because of a statutory rule these men are eligible to seek parole every 2 years. Albert Washington died of cancer in 2000 while the other two remain in prison.

Please click here to view the New York State Senate Majority news conference regarding this matter. Click here to view the press release.

Please click here to sign the petition to deny the release of Herman Bell.