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April 18, 2007

Update: Board refuses to parole child's murderer

CRANSTON -- After listening to pleas from friends and family, the state parole board refused to release the man convicted of brutally beating a 20-month-old to death in 1984.

The unanimous decision by the four-member board was due to the serious nature of the crime, his failure to take full responsibility and because the board felt "the community was not ready to support him," according to board chairwoman Lisa S. Holley.

Walter A. Perry Jr. had been sentenced to life in 1987 on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Leah Perry, the daughter of his then-girlfriend, Tina Perry, with whom he shared a South Kingstown apartment. He was 32 at the time.

He was the first person convicted of murder in a child-abuse case in this state.

Today, eight friends and family members spoke before the Parole Board, urging it to keep him jailed at the Adult Correctional Institutions.

Leah Perry’s father, Lawrence Perry, vowed after this morning’s hearing that he will continue to attend these Parole Board hearings for the rest of his life.

“It’s unfortunate he even has a chance to come up for parole, a chance to live his life again,” he said today.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson, with reports from Journal staff writer Katie Mulvaney

Walter Perry was refused parole back in October 2004 by a board that decided he still refused to accept full responsibility for his crime.

Walter was not related to Leah Perry or her mother. He is distantly related to the little girl’s father.

“He does admit to the crime. He does not accept full culpability for the injuries the child sustained,” Holley said in October 2004. “The evidence in the case and the admission don’t match.”

In issuing its decision then, the board also considered the serious nature of the crime and its impact on the Narragansett Indian Tribe, to which the family belongs, Holley said at a news conference outside the ACI. The board agreed to hear Walter's case again in 30 months.

Leah Perry’s father also appeared before the board back in 2004.

Looking at a framed photo of Leah Perry back then, the little girl’s father spoke about why he addressed the Parole Board on a number of occasions requesting that the killer be kept behind bars.

“She drives me, every time it comes up,” her father said of the little girl with curling pigtails and a bright smile. “I have to do it for her."

Walter Perry’s lawyer, Terry McEnaney, presented a letter to the Parole Board in 2004, saying the Narragansett Indian tribe was prepared to employ Walter in its historic preservation office upon his release.

McEnaney noted that Walter had undergone anger management and other behavioral treatments while in prison.

Posted by Kate Bramson at 2:33 PM | Permalink

Comments

no way shouid this man have a life on the steeets were child play ever again.

susandecristofaro | April 18, 2007 1:43 PM link

I applaud Mr. Perry if he has in fact gotten his anger under control. Unfortunately in a civilized society no citizen(s) should EVER be put at risk by allowing a proven killer to walk amongst free people. Our leniancy is demonstrated by the mere fact he is allowed to live out his natural life behind bars. This guy should stay in jail for life.

cal carpenter | April 18, 2007 2:58 PM link

How could the tribe be prepared to hire someone like this? what favor does he deserve after his brutal acts? I hope he rots in prison, and is joined by some of the other people who have been in the news lately for their violence toward children. Thank you parole board.

tara | April 18, 2007 3:53 PM link

you are right , i believe in an eye for an eye! better yet slow TORTURE

lynnSMITH | April 19, 2007 10:40 AM link

April 18, 2007

Update: Board refuses to parole child's murderer

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