In a shocking turn of events, a New York City man who fatally shot a New Jersey police officer in 1995 has been granted parole. The decision has drawn widespread condemnation from law enforcement experts and the officer's family.
A New York City man who shot and killed a New Jersey police officer in 1995 is set to be released on parole, a move that has been met with outrage from law enforcement experts and the officer's family.
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
Chung Ho, who is now 80, was granted parole for the February 18, 1995, death of Lower Township Police Department Officer David Douglass. The decision was made on June 26, nearly 30 years after the murder.
David Gelman, a criminal defense attorney and former deputy district attorney, condemned the decision as a "slap in the face" to Officer Douglass' memory.
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
"It's really disgusting. This was the first time that he applied, and he was accepted," Gelman told Fox News Digital. "It's a total slap in the face to Officer Douglass' family, other officers in the department and, frankly, police in general in New Jersey."
Gelman emphasized that the parole board's decision sends a "terrible message" to the law enforcement community.
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
"If your life is taken away by a violent criminal and then the parole board sees it and says, you know what? It doesn't matter that this happened over 30 years ago. It doesn't matter that there is an individual whose life was taken for no reason whatsoever. But you know what? We think that the individual who committed this crime, they've changed enough," he said.
"We can let them free."
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
"That is an absolutely terrible message and the family of Officer Douglass should 100% be upset and mad, which they are," he said.
Ho was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder, aggravated arson, and burglary charges in 1995. He came close to serving the minimum sentence for Officer Douglass' murder.
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
The parole decision was made by a group of 12 individuals who reached a consensus after interviewing the victim's family, dependents, doctors, and individuals in the prison.
"I'd say it's 50/50 whether individuals get parole," Gelman said. "When it comes to murders, parole is not often granted. In fact, I don't think it has ever happened in the state of New Jersey that the officer's killer has been granted parole at the first opportunity."
'Disgusting': Parole Granted to New Jersey Officer's Killer Sparks Outrage
"And frankly, there's kind of an unwritten rule in New Jersey and probably a lot of other states as well, that officer killers usually don't get parole, especially not the first time," he said. "So this is going against the book on all levels."
Gelman also pointed to New Jersey's failed bail reform, which he believes has contributed to the lenient sentencing and release of criminals.
"The New Jersey justice system has taken a dramatic turn over the last half decade or so. I'd say at least 90% are getting free and they're not just petty crimes or drug crimes, these are individuals who commit violent offenses and are still getting out on the street in less than 24 hours," he said.
"So it's par for the course, if you look at it, for a parole board to take that same attitude for those who committed extremely violent offenses."
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been criticized for his handling of the criminal justice system, which has seen an increase in crime rates in recent years.
"Our crime in New Jersey has gone up substantially over the last half dozen years or so. And, you know, that is not a coincidence," Gelman said.
On February 18, 1994, Officer Douglass was called to the scene of a suspected burglary and engaged in a foot chase against Ho, who had just set a house on fire. Ho turned and shot Officer Douglass, who returned fire and struck Ho in the hand. Officer Douglass died shortly after.
Ho is set to be released on parole in September 2024.
The Lower Township Police Department honored Officer Douglass at a memorial for the fallen officer in February 2024.
"Let us not forget his efforts, let us not forget his name, and please let us not forget his family," the department said.
A spokesperson for Governor Phil Murphy did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
