Merle Unger, who was convicted in 1976 of killing an off-duty Hagerstown Police Officer, was released from the North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland on Wednesday. He was convicted of killing Officer Donald Ralph “Barney” Kline, and had been serving his sentence in maximum security. Washington County State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion says her office was “disappointed” that Unger was released. Unger was originally sentenced to life plus 40 years; he received a new trial nine years ago, and was given a life sentence.