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WATERBURY, Conn. – A controversial parole hearing is set for Friday for Duane Johnson, the man convicted of murdering State Trooper Russell Bagshaw in 1991.
Johnson was originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting Trooper Bagshaw while the officer interrupted a burglary at a sporting goods store in Windham, Connecticut.
However, a 2023 law now grants parole eligibility to individuals convicted of serious crimes committed before the age of 21, allowing them to request a hearing after serving 50% of their sentence. Having served 35 years, Johnson is now seeking a review of his sentence.
Johnson and his brother, Terry Johnson, were both convicted in the trooper’s murder. Terry Johnson was originally sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life in prison in 2000.
Duane Johnson, currently imprisoned at Osborn Correctional Institute in Somers, will have his parole hearing conducted virtually.
Trooper Bagshaw’s widow has strongly opposed the possibility of Johnson’s release, urging the public to write letters in protest.
As the hearing approaches, the case remains a painful reminder of a tragic loss, and the decision on Johnson’s potential release is expected to spark strong public reaction.
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