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Family of slain NYPD officer fights to keep cop killer locked up — again
Eddie Matos, who was convicted of murdering NYPD Officer Anthony Dwyer in 1989, had a fifth parole hearing in three years after a court ordered the hearing to be held again. Dwyer’s family is opposing his release, while the case highlights how court appeals can lead to additional parole hearings.
Matos is serving 25 years to life and has been denied parole more than a dozen times. The board cited the killing, prison misconduct and earlier convictions; his lawyer argued that the board mischaracterised his prison record, saying Matos had received no disciplinary reports since 2019. Dwywer was 23 when Matos pushed him 40 feet down an air shaft as he responded to an armed robbery in Times Square. The Parole Board’s decision may take weeks.
In short
- Eddie Matos had another parole hearing after a court ordered a new review.
- Anthony Dwyer’s family is again opposing his release.
- Matos has been denied parole more than a dozen times.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The killing was exceptionally grave: Dwyer was a young officer responding to an armed robbery, and his family can reasonably argue that the harm and loss remain central to any release decision. The board may also consider Matos’s earlier convictions and prison conduct when assessing public safety and whether he has been rehabilitated.
The case against
A life sentence with parole eligibility still requires a fair, individual assessment rather than permanent exclusion based solely on the crime. Matos’s lawyer argues that the board mischaracterised his prison record and that he has had no disciplinary reports since 2019; supporters of release can contend that an accurate review of his conduct and rehabilitation is necessary for a just decision.