WATERBURY, Conn. — On Friday, a parole board in Connecticut rejected an application for early release from Duane Johnson, a man involved in the infamous 1991 ambush killing of a Connecticut State Police trooper during a burglary at a gun shop.
The state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles raised concerns regarding Johnson’s rehabilitation efforts during his time in prison, given the brutal nature of the crime. They also took into consideration the profound impact the incident had on the family of Trooper Russell Bagshaw, who was just 28 years old at the time of his death, along with its broader implications for the state and the nation.
Board member Robert Cizauskas emphasized the case’s significance, noting that they had received an unprecedented number of letters from citizens across the country urging the board to deny Johnson’s parole. This public response was influenced by a state law that permits parole hearings for individuals who committed offenses before turning 21.
On the night of the incident, Trooper Bagshaw was conducting a routine patrol when he was shot inside his cruiser by Johnson’s older brother, Terry, who is currently serving a life sentence. During the hearing, Duane Johnson admitted his part in the events that led to the trooper’s fatal shooting, stating, “I never pulled the trigger that day, but my actions contributed to his death.”
Bagshaw’s widow, Carol, expressed her opposition to granting Johnson early parole. She highlighted that he had notified his brother about the presence of the trooper that fateful morning, suggesting that if he had not done so, Bagshaw’s murder might have been avoided. “If not for this action, perhaps my husband wouldn’t have been murdered because guns were loaded in anticipation of a confrontation,” she shared.
Robert Bagshaw, Russell’s twin brother, reflected on the tragic and needless loss of his brother’s life, conveying how deeply the family was affected. The family was already dealing with the recent death of their mother, making the situation even more heartbreaking. He stated that the crime not only affected his family but also resonated within the larger law enforcement community in Connecticut, which Russell was honored to serve.
“This was a horrific yet avoidable crime, not only committed against my twin brother, but against Connecticut law enforcement, which he was so proud to represent,” he articulated with emotion.
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