Last night the Town Board unanimously passed the following resolution, condemning the NYS Parole Board’s decision to release Paula Bohovesky’s killer Richard LaBarbera, calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to intervene to overturn the decision, and again calling on the parole board to not release her other killer, Robert McCain, when he appears before them this month:
WHEREAS, the Town of Orangetown wishes to express its continuing condolences to, and support for, the family of Paula Bohovesky, who was brutally raped and murdered thirty-nine years ago; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, Paula Bohovesky was a talented artist, an aspiring actress and a well-regarded member of the junior class at Pearl River High School; and
WHEREAS, tragically, this young woman, burgeon with energy and a zest for life, was tragically and senselessly murdered just two blocks from her home; and
WHEREAS, the two young men who committed this heinous crime after a day spent drinking in a local bar received the maximum penalty for murder then allowed in New York State, twenty-five years to life in prison; and
WHEREAS, one of these men, Richard LaBarbera, has been recently granted parole and release from prison by the New York State Parole Board; and
WHEREAS, the second criminal involved, Robert McCain, will shortly go before that same parole board to petition for his own release; and
WHEREAS, neither of these murderers have expressed regret or taken responsibility for their heinous crime; and
WHEREAS, Paula’s family and friends, as well as those living in Orangetown at the time, can still recall the horror of that day; and
WHEREAS, Paula’s mother, Lois Bohovesky, must now witness at least one of the murderers of her child walk free, and potentially cause harm to others upon release; and
WHEREAS, the Town Board of Orangetown has met, considered and by a unanimous vote approved this resolution; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of Orangetown expresses its shock and disgust with the decision of the New York State Parole Board, and asks that if it is at all legally possible they reconsider, or that the Governor intervene in any way possible; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Town Board of Orangetown again implores the New York State Parole Board to not release Paula’s second killer when he appears before them this month; and be it further
RESOLVED, the Town Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to Ms. Lois Bohovesky; to the NYS Parole Board; and to such other persons proper in order to effectuate the purpose of this resolution including the offices of:
NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo
NYS Senator David Carlucci
NYS Assemblywoman Ellen C. Jaffee
