John MacKenzie's request to you

John Shido MacKenzie 7/22/1946 – 8/4/2016

In 1975 John MacKenzie unintentionally shot Nassau County police officer Matthew Giglio at the scene of a late-night break-in in Hempstead, Long Island. Officer Giglio died from his injuries ten weeks later.

John served almost forty-one years of a twenty-five years to life sentence. He took full responsibility for his crime, yet in spite of his genuine and heartfelt remorse, his complete rehabilitation, his spotless disciplinary record and his impressive accomplishments and achievements, he was denied parole ten times for the one thing he could never change — the nature of his crime.

In a recent New York Supreme Court decision in John's case, Judge Maria G. Rosa stated:

It is undisputed that it is unlawful for the parole board to deny parole solely on the basis of the underlying conviction. Yet the court can reach no other conclusion but that this is exactly what the board did in this case... It is undisputed that this petitioner has a perfect institutional record for the past 35 years. This case begs the question, if parole isn't granted to this petitioner, when and under what circumstances would it be granted? (Matter of MacKenzie v. Stanford, 2789/15)

John was found dead in his prison cell on the morning of Thursday, 4 August 2016, a few days after receiving his tenth parole denial. Repeated parole denials and the harsh conditions in Fishkill Correctional Facility extinguished his hope and he took his own life. There was an immediate outcry with tributes and messages of support from parole reform advocates, devastated by John's death and outraged by the unlawful actions of the New York State Parole Board.

John MacKenzie's request to you is to never let him be forgotten. This web page is a tribute and a record of some of his many achievements during his long years of incarceration, including the unique Victims Awareness Program he researched, initiated and led in honor of Matthew Giglio and his family. John's lifetime's work as an advocate for victims' rights, parole justice and reform will be continued by all those who knew and loved him.

John, we will always remember you. Your courage is an inspiration for us all.


New York Times report:
Merciless End for a Long Island Cop Killer, by Joseph Goldstein (New York Times, October 28 2016)

New York Times editorials in support of John MacKenzie:
False Hope and a Needless Death Behind Bars, editorial by Jesse Wegman (New York Times, September 6 2016)
A Challenge to New York’s Broken Parole Board, by the Editorial Board (New York Times, June 13 2016)

A final note:

Successful decision in John MacKenzie's contempt case against the New York State Parole Board, May 1 2019. Parole Board denied release solely due to underlying conviction; contempt affirmed:
Matter of Ferrante v. Stanford, 2019 NY Slip Op 3334 - NY: Appellate Div., 2nd Dept. 2019

John MacKenzie's Correctional History (Woodbourne 1999 to the present day)

In December of 1999, after serving nearly twenty-five years in maximum-security prisons, John was finally transferred to Woodbourne Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison. John immediately went to work for the Community Preparation Program, (now known as Transitional Services) and continued as a Peer Counselor. He also decided to devote some of his time and energy working in the recreation department as an IPA (Inmate Program Assistant) for the music program. Because of his computer skills and his educational background, he was soon asked to work as the Recreation Office Clerk. He immediately set out to automate the office inventory system and other important aspects of the recreation department. Soon thereafter, John received two Commendable Reports from recreation supervisors commending John not only for his devotion to the work ethic, but also for his dedication and contributions to the operation of the Recreation Department. He would eventually be given one of the few Special Assignment titles in the prison. Aside from his work assignments, John was elected ILC Chairman (Inmate Liason Committee) and President of the Brothers of Ireland Organization. John also took time out to learn welding and received a certificate for Brazing, Welder’s Helper and Acetylene Welder/Cutter.

Unfortunately, and in stark contrast to his many years of interaction and networking with outside agencies and participation in various programs while in maximum-security prison, John found it difficult, if not impossible to get support for his victims program. Although many people in the community supported his efforts, including Assemblywoman A. Gunther and Congressman Maurice Hinchey, DOCCS never approved the program for Woodbourne. It is interesting to note that as of now there is still no formal functioning Victims Awareness Program in New York State prisons. Nonetheless, John still continued to write to various agencies and politicians in an attempt to get support for his program.

Having successfully demonstrated his genuine desire to effect positive change in himself and to help others do the same, John continued growing and in doing so acquired a number of impressive credentials including three college degrees; a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Among the many certificates are: Small Business Management, Youth Counseling, IGRC Chairman, Respiratory Rescue, Pre Release Counseling Aide, Apprentice Baker, Typist, Career Planning, Substance Abuse Program, AIDS Teaching Assistant, Adult Peer Counseling, Labor Market Counseling, Tutoring Computers and Algebra, Legal Research, Peer Counseling, National Trust, Welding and Certificates of Appreciation from the Veteran’s Project, Black History Month Committee, WCF Recreation Department, as well as myriad letters of commendation and support.

In December 2014, John was transferred to Fishkill Correctional Facility where he worked as an inmate grievance resolutions clerk.

At seventy years old, John was plagued with a variety of medical problems. He had served almost 41 years of a 25-year-to-life sentence. Even though he had demonstrated that he was in fact a changed man and could once again become a productive, caring member of society, he was denied parole ten times for the one thing that could never change, the nature of his crime.