This is great news!
Outrage surfaced over move to free man convicted in shooting deaths of officers during 1967 bank robbery
Federal officials denied the parole request Friday for Henry Michael Gargano, whose pending release for the 1967 murders of two Northlake police officers generated outrage from law enforcement and the public.
“Mr. Gargano’s prison record, on top of his lack of remorse for the crimes that led to his imprisonment, showed that his release would be incompatible with public safety.” U.S. Parole Commission Chairman Isaac Fulwood Jr. said in a prepared statement.
Gargano, 79, pleaded guilty in 1968 to the shooting deaths of Northlake Officers John Nagle and Anthony Perri while robbing the Northlake Bank on Oct. 27, 1967, with two other men.
A judge sentenced Gargano to 199 years in prison. At a January 2010 parole hearing his case manager indicated Gargano was a likely candidate for release, and the commission tentatively set his parole for Sept. 3.
Fierce opposition led by Northlake police Deputy Chief Norman Nissen Jr. prompted the commission to hold a second hearing in February.
“As a policeman, we want to thank people for not forgetting these men,” Nissen said Friday after learning of the commission’s decision. “The commissioners did what they were supposed to — protect the public.”
Joseph Nagle, son of the slain officer, called the denial “great news.” He also thanked Northlake police and The Emerald Society, a law enforcement advocacy organization known for its bagpipe performances at police funerals, for helping organize opposition that included petitions signed by thousands.
But he noted that Gargano can request another parole consideration in 2013.
“This could go on every two years,” Nagle said. “If it comes up again, we’ll show up again and fight the same fight.”