By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press SUFFIELD, Conn. (AP) _ A parole board panel that had earlier approved the release of a convicted cop killer without any input from the officer’s family rescinded that decision Wednesday after an outcry from the victim’s relatives, prosecutors and police officers. The panel voted 3-0 to revoke the parole it granted in January to Gerald “Gary” Castonguay, who is serving 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting Plainville Officer Robert Holcomb in 1977. Several members of Holcomb’s family called for reforms to the state’s parole system, saying they weren’t notified about the hearing in January when the three-member panel voted to release Castonguay, now 71, in July. After they found out about it, hundreds of people from across the country flooded the parole board with emails and letters calling for it to reverse the decision. “This has been a very difficult and trying last few months,” Mac Holcomb, the slain officer’s son, said after the hearing. “It is my prayer that no family should have to go through such a situation.” Plainville Police Chief Matthew Catania added, “It was a travesty of justice. To retraumatize this family is unforgiveable.” Dozens of police officers […]
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