By Marley Seaman and Mike Schnitzel
John Mackenzie was sentenced to 25 years to life for the 1975 shooting, which happened while Mackenzie was robbing a West Hempstead business. He was convicted of second-degree murder as well as manslaughter, burglary and a number of other crimes related to the robbery. The hearing was Mackenzie's fourth chance at parole from the Woodbourne Correctional Facility.
"This panel concludes your release would represent a serious risk to the public safety and therefore is inappropriate at this time," the parole board wrote in its decision. Mackenzie has an criminal record dating back to 1960.
On Oct. 7, 1975, Giglio responded to back up fellow officers on a burglary-in-progress call at a West Hempstead business. When Giglio arrived, he observed Mackenzie leaving the store. During the chase that ensued, Mackenzie fired a single shot at point blank range into Giglio's chest, according to police. Giglio was rushed to Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre, where he spent more than two months in and out of a coma before dying on Dec. 16, 1975. Giglio left behind a wife, Phyllis, and three children, Doreen, 10, Regina, 8, and Matthew, 4.
"I personally feel that it's an injustice to all law enforcement officers because this killer, John Mackenzie, has the right to be up for parole [every two years]," said Giglio's son Matthew, now of Moonachie, New Jersey. "As far as I'm concerned, this is a right that criminals should not have."
The Patrolman's Benevolent Association of Nassau County invited residents to write letters to the parole board urging them to deny Mackenzie parole. A sample letter was posted on its Web site.
"I strongly urge the parole board not to free John Mackenzie," the letter reads in part. "To grant freedom would have a devastating effect on the police community, the Giglio family, and all who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect a civilized society."
Giglio was also a volunteer firefighter in Valley Stream. In 2000, a parcel of land at Dutch Broadway and Corona Avenue was renamed Matthew Giglio Memorial Plaza in his honor.
Mackenzie has parole hearings every two years. The next one is scheduled for August of 2008.
Comments? MSeaman@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
