Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo granted four convicted murderers clemency on his way out of office:
“The march towards a more fair, more just, more equitable, and more empathetic New York State is a long one, but every step forward we can take it worthwhile and important,” Gov. Cuomo said. “These clemencies make clear the power of redemption, encourage those who have made mistakes to engage in meaningful rehabilitation, and show New Yorkers that we can work toward a better future. I thank all the volunteer attorneys representing clemency applicants for their dedication and service to justice.”
Let’s start with 76-year-old David Gilbert. Cuomo’s clemency makes Gilbert eligible for parole.
David Gilbert is the father of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. He had Chesa with his then-partner Kathy Boudin.
David Gilbert was also a member of the Weather Underground, the domestic terrorist group responsible for the 1981 Brink’s armored car robbery in New York.
Gilbert and Boudin dropped off infant Chesa with a babysitter before driving to the robbery.
The terrorists, with members of the Revolutionary Armed Task Force and Black Liberation Army, robbed the truck and wounded guard Joe Trombino and killed his co-worker Peter Paige. Police officers Waverly Brown ad Edward O’Grady died in the shootout.
A jury convicted Gilbert of three counts of second-degree murder and four counts of first-degree robbery.
Cuomo explained why he gave Gilbert clemency:
David Gilbert, 76, was convicted of three counts of second-degree Murder and four counts of first-degree Robbery in 1983. He’s served 40 years of a 75-years-to-life sentence, related to an incident in which he was the driver, not the murderer. While incarcerated, Gilbert has made significant contributions to AIDS education and prevention programs. He has also worked as a student tutor, law library clerk, paralegal assistant, teacher’s aide, and an aide for various additional facility programs. At this time, Gilbert is the only individual still incarcerated with no possibility of parole in his lifetime. He will be referred to the Parole Board for potential release.
You guys. He was only the driver. He obviously had no idea what they were going to do. He had no idea what would happen.
Cuomo granted clemency to a literal domestic terrorist. Granted Kathy Boudin was paroled in 2003. She worked at Columbia University and NYU but controversy followed her due to, you know, taking part in domestic terrorism. Cuomo commuted Judith Clark, another driver, in 2016 and she was paroled.
Cuomo’s order demanded the release of four other murderers:
Greg Mingo, 68, was convicted of four counts of second-degree Murder, first-degree Robbery, first-degree Burglary, and second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He’s served 39-and-a-half years of a 50 years-to-life sentence. While incarcerated, Mingo earned his GED and a paralegal certification, enabling him to assist over a thousand other incarcerated people with their legal cases, and designed an eight-week legal research course he taught for years at Elmira and Great Meadow. Mingo also became a dedicated and respected peer counselor—founding programs focused on fatherhood, family relationships, and domestic violence and abuse—and has facilitated thousands of hours of counseling programs. Upon release, Mingo plans to live with family and work as a full-time counselor helping individuals struggling with addiction, anger, and domestic violence.Robert Ehrenberg, 62, was convicted of two counts of second-degree Murder, and one count of first-degree Robbery and first-degree Burglary. He’s served 28-and-a-half years of a 50 year-to-life sentence. While incarcerated, Ehrenberg earned an associate’s degree from SUNY Sullivan, and a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College, graduating as valedictorian of his class for both degrees. Ehrenberg worked as a tutor through the Hudson Link College Program, and in this role designed and taught a 16-week pre-college Basic Algebra course. Ehrenberg has also been a leader within charitable groups that raise funds for causes like academic scholarships, childhood cancer research, and animal rescue and sanctuary efforts. Upon release, Ehrenberg plans to continue his education and volunteer work.Ulysses Boyd, 66, was convicted of one count of second-degree Murder and two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon for an incident in which he was not the gunman. He’s served 35 years of a 50 years-to-life sentence. While incarcerated, Boyd served as a clerk for the facility branch of the NAACP and as a DOCCS transitional services coordinator for over a decade. Upon release, Boyd will be reunited with his wife.Paul Clark, 59, was convicted of three counts of second-degree Murder, one count of second-degree Attempted Murder, and one count of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He’s served 40 years of an aggregate 58 years and 4 months-to-life sentence. While incarcerated, Clark earned a GED degree, an associate’s degree, and a variety of vocational certificates. Upon release, Clark will be reunited with his wife.
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