Michael Bossett, a 68-year-old man from Queens, was recently exonerated by a state appeals court after serving more than 40 years in prison due to charges stemming from an incident involving a hand grenade. In 1981, Bossett was convicted on five counts of attempted murder of police officers for allegedly throwing a grenade at them during a raid. However, Supreme Court Judge Gia Morris ruled that the grenade was a dud, implying that Bossett had no intention of causing harm, which was central to the prosecution’s case. This ruling opens the possibility for Bossett to appear before a state parole board, where he could be granted release.
Despite the overturned grenade charges, Bossett’s legal troubles are far from over. He is still serving time for a separate murder conviction in Suffolk County, stemming from a gang-related shooting in 1980. The court’s ruling on the grenade case reduces his total sentence to 37.5 years to life, rather than the previous 50 years to life, a notable change considering he has already accumulated nearly 45 years behind bars. Bossett’s attorney, Ron Kuby, expressed optimism about the ruling, indicating that Bossett had remained hopeful throughout his ordeal.
The circumstances surrounding Bossett’s conviction raise issues about the policing and prosecutorial practices of the past. Kuby criticized the former mentality of law enforcement that often led to convictions based on circumstantial evidence and assumptions without concrete proof. The case serves as a reminder of how systemic flaws in the criminal justice system can result in wrongful convictions for innocent individuals. While the judge’s ruling reflects a shift towards recognizing these past mistakes, Bossett’s situation still casts a long shadow due to unresolved charges.
Tensions remain high due to Bossett’s association with a murder case involving his brother, Darrell Bossett, who is currently serving a life sentence for killing NYPD officer Gabriel Vitale. The victim’s family, including his daughter Cyndy, expressed their outrage over the latest ruling and voiced concerns that justice for victims is being overlooked in favor of criminal rights. Cyndy Vitale described the decision as an appalling situation, stressing the emotional toll on families affected by violent crime.
Additionally, criticism was directed at the court’s acceptance of testimony from a childhood friend of Bossett, who is also a former police officer. Patrick Hendry, President of the NYPD Police Benevolent Association, labeled the testimony as questionable and stressed that the court should not overlook Bossett’s past actions as a convicted murderer. He stated that familial losses in law enforcement extend far beyond the courtroom, emphasizing that efforts must continue to ensure accountability for those involved in officer-related deaths.
Bossett’s violent history complicates the narrative of his recent exoneration. The grenade incident occurred during a police raid that resulted in Bossett being shot while he allegedly tried to escape. Although the grenade was inert, treating it as a mere joke does not diminish the legitimacy of prior convictions. A separate murder case involving a drug dispute further complicates his narrative, suggesting a pattern of violence rather than an isolated incident. The Queen’s District Attorney’s Office confirmed that while the grenade charges have been dismissed, Bossett still faces severe penalties for his historic actions, including drug and weapon possession charges. As Bossett prepares for the potential of parole, the complexities of his case remain, highlighting ongoing debates surrounding justice and accountability within the criminal justice system.
