No Parole for Cop Killers

Help stop the parole of the killer of Police Officer Charles D. Burdsall

Police Officer Charles D. Burdsall

Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, July 15, 1978

Write Your Letter

Make any personal touches you wish to the letter below.
Click the button to continue to the next and final step.

Optional: The parole board is accepting online responses for this hearing. Write and submit your letter on their site.

Special Instructions: Both felons are up for parole. Include two letters when you mail your opposition to parole so they go in each felon's parole file.
Wayne Reed #A153741
Russell William Bell #A154142

Ohio Parole Board
4545 Fisher Road, Suite D
Columbus, Ohio 43228

Or Fax: 614-752-0600

Or online submission (fill out 2 submissions, one for each inmate):
https://drc.ohio.gov/systems-and-services/1-parole/parole-board-hearing-input

Make sure the inmate's name and number are in correspondence.
Wayne Reed #A153741
Russell William Bell #A154142

* Bold fields are required

Parole Letter

Subject

Your message

To Whom It May Concern,

I respectfully ask that you DENY PAROLE to Wayne Reed, inmate #A153741, and Russell William Bell, inmate #A154142. These inmates' violent murder of Police Officer Charles D. Burdsall of the Cincinnati Police Division in 1978 should preclude any parole consideration.

On July 15, 1978, Officer Burdsall was slain after he had stopped a vehicle involved in casing a location for an armed robbery minutes earlier. When Officer Burdsall approached the car, inmate #A153741 drew a .38 caliber revolver toward Officer Burdsall and shot him in the mouth. While collapsed on the ground, inmate #A153741 approached him and shot him twice more in the back. Those shots went through his body, causing massive internal bleeding. Inmate #A153741 turned toward a 19-year-old citizen who was riding in the car with Officer Burdsall and shot him twice in the back as he tried to dive for cover.

While inmate #A153741 was shooting Officer Burdsall and a teenager, inmate #A154142 ran from the scene. He did not stop his friend from murdering Officer Burdsall. When inmate #A153741 finished firing, inmate #A154142 returned to the car and drove away from the scene. He had an extensive felony record and had served multiple jail sentences for burglary, armed assault with intent to rob, and carrying a concealed firearm. He should have been in prison on July 15, 1978, but was given second, third, and fourth chances.

Inmate #A153741 also had an excessive criminal record before he murdered Officer Burdsall. With each felony, he was granted extra chances and served less than minimal time. Had he been in prison for previous crimes, Officer Burdsall would not have been killed that night.

Both inmates were convicted of aggravated murder while escaping arrest, aggravated murder after attempting to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated murder with prior calculation, and attempted murder. Both inmates were sentenced to death. But for inmate #A153741, "four justices were ultimately responsible for overturning the rulings of twelve jurors, the trial court judge, three appeals court judges, and three other Ohio Supreme Court justices." when his sentence was reduced. Inmate #A154142 was also convicted of escape in addition to the other felony convictions, yet he was also granted a sentence reduction.

Officer Burdsall was only 29 years old. He was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who received a Purple Heart and medals for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement. Returning from military service, Officer Burdall became a dedicated officer with the Cincinnati Police Division for 5 1/2 years and, within five years, received eight letters of appreciation and/or commendation. More importantly, he was a loving husband, a caring father to three children, a considerate son, and a respected brother to four siblings. One of his brothers also served with the Cincinnati Police Division.

As a concerned citizen and in the interest of public safety, I again respectfully ask that you DENY PAROLE to inmate #A153741 and inmate #A154142. Parole is a privilege, not a right. Justice demands that they spend every remaining day of his complete LIFE SENTENCE in prison.

Sincerely,

Your full name

Your city / state *

* Your city / state is optional and may be made part of the public record if provided.