On October 30, 1982, New York City Police Officer, James N. Whittington, Jr., left his home never to return when his life was suddenly and brutally taken by cold-blooded murderer, Mitchell Martin (DIN# 83A5551), when Officer Whittington fulfilled his duty to “Protect and Serve.” 

     While in a Brooklyn barbershop, Officer Whittington was notified that Martin had a gun and was outside arguing with a woman. Officer Whittington immediately responded and attempted to apprehend Martin when Martin shot him to death multiple times in an attempt to escape capture.  His wife was rushed to the hospital, but did not have the chance to say her final goodbye.

     Martin was eventually apprehended and a jury of his peers convicted him and sentenced him 25 years for the murder of the 42 year-old husband and father of young daughters. In addition, Martin was separately convicted and sentenced for 71/2 years to life for the attempted murder of another police officer just two months before he ended Officer Whittington’s "final watch.” 

     Although more than three decades have passed, Officer Whittington’s widow, children, and other family members who were never given an opportunity to say goodbye, continue to mourn his loss.  The loss of a Hero, who never had the opportunity to see his children grow up, to walk them down the aisle, or to hold his grandchildren. Despite having robbed the Whittington Family of these moments, Martin will have his first opportunity to go free, if paroled, in December of 2020. Even if this parole is denied in December, Officer Whittington’s Family will have to face the reality that this murderer could go free every two years thereafter for the rest of Martin’s natural life. 

     It would be an injustice to allow a killer of one of New York’s Finest to ever be free again. The Whittington Family is prepared to be the lone set of voices opposing the release of Martin, but welcomes anyone to join them and oppose the release of Mitchell Martin in 2020 and every time he is permitted to plea for the return of his life, a luxury that Officer Whittington was not and can never be afforded. By singing this petition, let the Parole Board know that you unequivocally oppose Mitchell Martin’s parole.