Satanic Cult Member Tied to 3 Murders Set to Be Released on Parole
(Fall River, Mass) - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the community of Fall River was horrified by three brutal murders. Doreen Levesque, Barbara Raposa, and Karen Marsden were killed as part of a satanic cult and prostitution ring.
Robin Murphy, who was convicted in the gruesome killing of Marsden 40 years ago, has been granted parole. At the time of her conviction, Murphy was just 17 years old and was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her girlfriend, Marsden.
Murphy's testimony was crucial in sending Carl Drew, the alleged leader of the satanic cult, and Andrew Maltais, another cult member, to prison for life without the possibility of parole. Maltais has since died in prison.
Now 61, Murphy went before the Massachusetts Board of Parole in March, asking for release for the eighth time. On Monday, the board granted her parole, citing her history of trauma, empathy for the victims, and her educational achievements while incarcerated. It is unclear if she has recanted her allegiance to satanic worship and/or activities.
Murphy was previously released in 2004 but was re-incarcerated in 2011 following a parole violation.
State Representative Alan Silvia of Fall River, who was a detective during the original investigation, testified against her release. He expressed concerns about her return to society, especially the possibility of her returning to Fall River. Also, Bristol County D.A. Thomas Quinn said he was “very disappointed” in the board’s decision.
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In Fall River's haunted night,
Three lives lost to evil's blight,
Families weep for those they mourn,
In hearts their memories are worn.
Robin Murphy, now set free,
A dark past etched in history,
We pray for healing, pray for light,
For victims' families, peace in sight.
May she seek a righteous way,
Find redemption, start to pray,
In Christ's embrace, may all find peace,
And broken hearts find sweet release.
~~~
Sources:
Woman convicted in Fall River 'satanic cult' murder granted parole (boston.com)
Fall River woman convicted in satanic cult killing granted parole (turnto10.com)