Thomas Hagan, also known as Talmadge Hayer, has been granted parole by a New York State parole board panel after 17 attempts for release.  Hagan was one of three men convicted of killing controversial Civil Rights leader Malcolm X (Malcolm Little) on February 21, 1965.

Hagan along with Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson, all members of the Nation of Islam, were convicted in the death of Malcolm X. Malcom was shot 16 times, most from short range by a shot-gun and handguns.  Hagan was shot in the thigh in trying to flee the scene and arrested.

The past two years Hagan has been serving just two weeks in jail as part of a work-release program.

The Black Muslims have been accused of having arranged and set up the assassination.  Many believe either Elijah Muhammad or current Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan arranged the killing.

Malcolm was 39-years old at the time of his death.

[image above of Thomas Hayer: NYDailyNews, image below of Malcom X autopsy TheSmokingGun]