FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2023
The following statement was released by Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) regarding the denial of parole for convicted cop killer Shatiek Johnson, who was charged with the 1998 assassination of New York City Housing Police Officer and Staten Island community activist Gerard Carter:
“It brought me great relief to learn this morning that the assassin of Housing Police Officer, and fellow Staten Islander, Gerard Carter had their request for parole denied. For two more years, at the very least, this monster will remain locked up behind bars – which is where all cop killers belong!
Thank you to everyone who rallied around this, including the numerous law enforcement labor unions and especially Officer Carter’s family – his wife Jozette, son Louis, mother Martha, and brother Keith – who’ve all had to endure so much in the fight to get justice.
Make no mistake, this fight is far from over. While the parole board made the right decision this time, they often have not in the past, and Officer Carter’s family will be forced to do as many others have, reliving this trauma on replay every two years for the foreseeable future. I have and will continue to call for reforms to be made to the state parole board so that it treats crime victims and their families, not murderers and other violent criminals, with greater compassion and empathy.”