Four protesters were arrested, including a family member of one of the 1983 murder victims, at the July 27th protest concerning Janice Russell’s upcoming release. Colonel Sam DeWilde, Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police said the protesters, ranging in age from 33 to 74, were released on their own recognizance with an appearance ticket. Each faces a potential $200 fine.
Dennis Brickland, the father of slain Far Hollow Eagles football player Frank Brickland, was taken into custody without resistance, as were Nannette Sebring, 33, Duane McCleary, 20, and Trisha Crowell, 41, all Far Hollow residents.
“The demonstration was peaceful, no question,” said Albion Sheriff Kevin Donetti. “Some of the signage and refusal to stop blocking defense counsel’s exit from the facility post-hearing and chants including foul language, that was the sum total of it. Our department had no trouble handling things and would like to thank the public for conducting themselves appropriately.”
“(Expletive) should rot behind bars until her time comes,” Brickland told reporters. “She’s still breathing. She left my son in a f—— dumpster.”
Other protesters demanded Russell, now 58, serve out as well, although the remainder of her sentence is less than eight months.
“She killed all those kids,” said Crowell, whose daughter, Roberta, attends Far Hollow high. “How can you even consider letting anybody like her out early?”
A spokesperson for Judge Howard Lowery said a decision would likely be announced on Monday, following review of correspondence allegedly shared between Miss Russell and a cousin.
“If there’s even the slightest hint that violence is being planned,” said the state attorney’s office. “The very least the court can do is hold her for as long as possible, and alert survivors prior to her leaving prison.”
Keep checking back with the Gazette to find out Judge Lowery’s decision as soon as it’s handed down.
