MILFORD- On December 10, 1980, Sgt. Walter “Moose” Conley was murdered in the line of duty while working a detail at Milford Savings Bank. Sgt. Conley selflessly sacrificed his life to thwart an attempted armed robbery while escorting a bank teller into the bank. In the line of duty gunfire erupted, leaving the beloved peace officer slain and his killers, Patrick O’Shea and John Currie fleeing to upstate New York where they were subsequently captured and extradited by New York State Police before being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, our agency was notified that the Massachusetts Parole Board had granted parole to one of Sgt. Conley’s killers, Patrick O’ Shea, under the guise of compassionate release.

In reacting to the news Milford Deputy Chief of Police John Sanchioni remarked “I remember this tragic event vividly as a high school student, in my 38 years at the Milford Police Department, officers who worked with Sergeant Conley often spoke of his love and dedication in serving the Town of Milford. It disheartens me that the cold-blooded killer of a police officer can be released without serving the penalty our justice system handed down.”

The Milford Police Department and the Milford Police Association stand steadfast together against this decision. Milford Police Association President Anthony Bavosi addressed many of the current members of the union today with the disappointing news and later commented, “On behalf of the entire Milford Police Association, both past and present members, we are deeply saddened by the parole board’s decision to cast away the outcome of the judicial process and give release to a convicted cop killer. Sergeant. Conley was a cop but moreover, he was a father and husband. The Milford Police Association is outraged by yesterday’s decision, our thoughts and prayers are with the Conley family as they process this unfathomable decision.”

At the time word of the decision reach our agency, it is unclear when Patrick O’Shea will be processed for release

“The headlines read ‘One of Milford’s best’. This was certainly true for Sergeant Walter Conley. Yesterday we were notified that parole was granted to his murderer under the guise of compassionate release. As paramedic with over 30 years of experience, respect and dignity for all life regardless of your prior sins is what has directed me and continues to direct me as I progress through life. Sadly, Sergeant Conley did not die surrounded by his family; he took his final, labored breaths knowing he was dying on the cold surface of a parking lot on Prospect St. in Milford. I ask the public to say a prayer for Sergeant Conley and his family. I only hope that nobody in their family will suffer and die alone as Sergeant Conley did.”- Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino

CONTACT JCOVINO@MILFORDPOLICE.ORG FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INQUIRES