Plainville (AP) — Relatives of a police officer who was fatally shot more than 35 years ago will get a chance to object to the decision to parole the convicted killer.

Gary Castonguay was granted parole Jan. 9 and scheduled to be released in July. He was convicted in the 1977 killing of 28-year-old officer Robert Holcomb.

Holcomb's family wasn't notified of the hearing and was angry when they learned of the decision.

Richard Sparaco, executive director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, said the registered family member died and the state couldn't reach others.

The ruling was suspended and another hearing was set in March for the family to attend.

Holcomb's niece, Maria Weinberger, says numerous family members plan to attend and will protest the release of Castonguay, now 70.