'60s radical in fatal heist paroled

ALBANY, N.Y. - Kathy Boudin, the '60s radical who has served 22 years in prison for a 1981 armored car heist in which three men were killed, was granted parole Wednesday.

Boudin, 60, a one-time member of the Weather Underground described as a model inmate, had been denied parole just three months ago, as well as two years ago. Officials did not explain their decision.

"Right now, she's hysterically happy," said Boudin's lawyer, Leonard Weinglass.

Thomas Grant, a spokesman for the state Division of Parole, said Boudin would be released Oct. 1 or earlier.

Parole was granted by a two-member hearing panel after a 11/4-hour interview with Boudin at the Bedford Hills state prison in Westchester County, Grant said.

In prison, Boudin (pronounced boo-DEEN) developed a program on parenting behind bars and helped write a handbook for inmates whose children are in foster care. She also earned a master's degree in adult education, and has expressed remorse for taking part in the crime.

But her possible release had been staunchly opposed by the families, friends and colleagues of the three men who were killed - Nyack police Sgt. Edward O'Grady and Officer Waverly Brown, and Peter Paige, a Brink's guard.

John Hanchar, a nephew of O'Grady, said Wednesday, "Today's Eddie's birthday. He would have been 55 years old, so it's especially difficult."

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