Legislation introduced Tuesday in the Erie County Legislature calls for removing a convicted Palmyra double murderer recently released on parole in the county.
According to WIVB-TV in Buffalo, Republican Legislator Frank Todaro of Lancaster is sponsoring the measure, which urges the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to relocate Chad Campbell to another area outside Erie County.
Campbell was released on parole earlier this month to a community-based residential program in Erie County after serving more than three decades in prison for a 1990 double murder in Wayne County. Authorities say Campbell was 14 years old in 1990 when he raped and stabbed 15-year-old Cindy Lewis, a classmate, in the Village of Palmyra. Lewis had been babysitting 17-month-old Curtis Rizzo at the time of the attack. The toddler was also killed.
In 1991, Campbell was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years to life in prison.
Campbell had previously been denied parole as recently as May 2025. However, state officials later adopted changes to how parole is considered for individuals who committed violent crimes as minors. Following another appearance before the parole board in November, he was granted release.
In its decision, the parole board cited Campbell’s age at the time of the crimes, completion of required rehabilitation programs, academic and vocational achievements, and positive recommendations from corrections staff.
Todaro criticized the decision in the proposed legislation, writing that Campbell’s presence in Erie County is “incompatible with the welfare of society” and diminishes the seriousness of his crimes. The measure calls on the state to reconsider the parole decision or find an alternative placement that meets the conditions of his release.
The proposal is co-sponsored by Republican legislators John Mills of Orchard Park, Lindsay Lorigo of Aurora, and Chris Greene of Clarence.
The legislation is expected to be considered by the Erie County Legislature in the coming weeks.
