Man accused of 1987 Atlanta police shooting could soon be free

Officer J.J. Biello survived the attack but died in 2019 due to complications from the shooting.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:19pm

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An extreme close-up of a police badge or handcuff key, lit dramatically by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying the serious and gritty nature of this crime.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the lasting impacts of violence against law enforcement.Atlanta Today

A man who shot an Atlanta police officer more than 40 years ago could soon be released from prison. The shooting happened in April 1987, and Officer J.J. Biello survived the attack but spent the rest of his life as a quadriplegic before passing away in 2019 due to complications from the shooting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the long-lasting impact of violent crimes against law enforcement and the complex legal issues around sentencing, parole, and the rights of both victims and perpetrators decades after an incident occurs.

The details

The man accused of shooting Officer Biello in 1987 has been in prison for over 40 years, but he may soon be eligible for release due to changes in sentencing laws and policies around elderly and long-term inmates.

  • The shooting occurred in April 1987.
  • Officer Biello died in 2019 due to complications from the shooting.
  • The accused shooter has been in prison for over 40 years.

The players

Officer J.J. Biello

An Atlanta police officer who was shot in 1987 and spent the rest of his life as a quadriplegic before passing away in 2019 due to complications from the shooting.

The accused shooter

The man who allegedly shot Officer Biello in 1987 and has been in prison for over 40 years, but may soon be eligible for release.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will review the accused shooter's eligibility for release based on changes to sentencing laws and policies for elderly and long-term inmates.

The takeaway

This case highlights the long-lasting trauma and consequences of violent crimes against law enforcement, and the complex legal issues that can arise decades later as sentencing laws and policies evolve.