Following the release of a former NYPD police officer who was convicted of murder 12 years ago, the local community remains divided on whether he deserves to regain his freedom.

After serving more than 10 out of his 20-year sentence for the murder of Charles Campbell, Richard DiGuglielmo walked out of prison Friday morning and returned home to his family.

While some in the community say he should have served out his sentence, others, like Jean Jeuidi, support the DiGuglielmo family.

?The judge did everything correctly, and the man is an innocent man, and he should be able to live his life,? Jeuidi says.

Joni DeLasho disagrees, saying that serving only 10 years behind bars for taking a life is not an adequate punishment.

DeLasho has been a Dobbs Ferry resident for more than 20 years, and he is very familiar with the story that unfolded in the village more than a decade ago.

An argument between Campbell and DiGuglielmo broke out outside of Venice Deli along Ashford Avenue when Campbell parked his car in front of the store and went across the street to get a slice of pizza.

When he returned, Campbell and the deli owner, Richard DiGuglielmo?s father, got into an argument, which quickly turned physical when Campbell pulled out a baseball bat. DiGuglielmo then came out with a gun and shot Campbell dead.

The former police officer claimed self-defense, but he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Thursday night, however, a judge threw out the conviction, citing flaws in the prosecution.

According to a friend of the DiGuglielmos, the former police officer spent his first full day of freedom by going on a shopping spree.

The case, however, is not closed. Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore says she will appeal the judge's ruling.