Family of Beth Brodie, killed in Groveland in 1992, fights against possible parole for killer – NBC Boston

The family of a teenager beaten to death in Groveland, Massachusetts, more than 30 years ago is fighting her killer’s quest for parole.

Richard Baldwin was convicted of murdering 15-year-old Beth Brodie after attacking her with a baseball bat in 1992.

When Baldwin went to his parole hearing Thursday afternoon, there was a large crowd supporting Brodie.

“To actually see him in person is pretty tear-jerking,” said Sean Aylward, Brodie’s brother.

Baldwin was sentenced to life in prison without parole, but a later Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling ruled that juvenile offenders like Baldwin must be offered a chance at parole.

“I understand that what I did was unforgivable and in the 31 years since my crime I have not been able to forgive myself and I am deeply sorry for what I did to Beth and her family “Baldwin told the parole board.

During the hearing, Baldwin told commissioners that he was drunk and high on Xanax when he attacked Baldwin and only killed her because he felt bad that she was in pain. He added that he was angry that she wouldn’t return a ring he gave her when they were previously together.

“I’m trying to make it seem like it’s her fault that she didn’t run away … or wasn’t afraid, to hell with him, straight to hell with him for everything,” Aylward said.

The father of a teenage girl beaten to death with a baseball bat in 1992 is now speaking out to help his daughter’s killer go free.

The hour-long hearing was tense. Baldwin did not testify at his original hearing nor did he apply for parole when he was eligible in 2014 or 2019. This was the first time since that day that Brodie’s family heard from him directly.

“We are here today to speak for Beth and to make sure she is remembered and that we can get her justice, and I really don’t care what he has to say or what defenses or accomplishments she never made could accomplish.” “said Aylward. “Today it’s all about her. Even though it’s his hearing, we’re all about justice for Beth.”

Her father, Stephen Brodie, told NBC10 Boston on Wednesday that the possibility of Baldwin being paroled was troubling.

“(When) he gets out of prison, he can move on with the rest of his life,” he said. “Get married, have children. She was denied all of this. He should never have the chance to enjoy the rest of his life.”

Brodie’s family said the parole board made no decisions Thursday, telling the family that most decisions take between six weeks and six months.