ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A man convicted of killing two New York City police officers in the 1970s has been released from prison and was paroled in Rochester.

The New York State Board of Parole decided in September to release former Black Panther activist Anthony Bottom from prison.

Anthony Bottom

Bottom and his co-defendant Herman Bell were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the killings of officers Waverly Jones and Joseph Piagentini in 1971.

Bell was paroled two years ago. The families of the officers fought the release.

The New York City Police Benevolent Association blames Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature, saying they have made it easier for violent criminals to challenge parole denials.