Boston Police Sergeant and tactical photographer Sean Murphy was "relieved of duty" after releasing, without authorization, photos of Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to Boston Magazine.

The release came after Rolling Stone Magazine featured a much-considered glamorized photo of the man on its cover.

Rolling Stone Magazine
Rolling Stone Magazine
loading...

The photo on the Rolling Stone cover, published un-retouched by many news organizations when the suspect's identity was first learned, depicts an image that is very different from the one of him during capture.  Portraying the latter image was supposedly Murphy's intention, who wanted the suspect to appear in a less glamorized light.  Instead, it is Murphy upon whom a shadow is being cast, at least by some.

Dzokhar Tsarnaev by Boston Police Sergeant Sean Murphy in Boston Magazine
Photo by: Boston Police Sergeant Sean Murphy in Boston Magazine
loading...

Murphy is now facing disciplinary action and may lose his job, all while many are applauding his release of the photos.  Supporters say that despite the fact that the photos were released by Murphy without the permission of Boston Police, it was an effort to counter the effects that the Rolling Stone cover may have on youth who may view Tsarnaev as a role model.  A Support Sergeant Sean Murphy Facebook page and online petition have both been launched in support of Murphy.

Boston Magazine is running an article and the photos in response to the piece in Rolling Stone:

Dzokhar Tsarnaev, Boston Police Sergeant Sean Murphy in Boston Magazine
Boston Magazine, bostonmagazine.com
loading...

What do you think?  Should Murphy be heralded or punished?  Comment on our Facebook page and vote in today's Question of the Day:

Remembering the Boston streets full of emotion when Tsarnaev was caught:

Boston Marathon Bombing Suspect Caught [PHOTOS] 

Twitter Posting: A round of applause to the Boston PD and law enforcement who took down the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings. CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody. - Boston Police Dept. (@Boston_Police) April 20, 2013 08:47pm - It's OVER!

More From WIBX 950