Keeping Paula Bohovesky's Killers In Prison: Renewed Effort

PEARL RIVER, NY — Paula Bohovesky was brutally murdered 38 years ago. The fight to keep her convicted killers behind bars continues.

Paula was 16 and a junior at Pearl River High School when she was attacked on Oct. 28, 1980. She left the Pearl River Library, where she worked after school, and was walking the two blocks to her home when she encountered Richard LaBarbera and Robert McCain.

McCain, a drifter and career criminal from Arkansas, and LaBarbera, formerly of Pearl River, had spent the day drinking alcohol at a local bar, leaving after seeing Paula through the window, according to published reports. She was brutally attacked and killed.

Both killers have been denied release since becoming eligible for parole in 2005. Convicted of for second-degree murder, they are serving sentences of 25-years-to-life, the toughest sentence at the time.

"They are unrepentant, unapologetic and seeking parole," said John Murphy, one of the people who has fought for more than a decade to keep them imprisoned. "We hope you will do something so the NYS Parole Board hears our voices and our hearts. Paula’s mom is 86 years old. She has suffered enough for 39 years."

The family and a nonprofit called Petition for Paula work every two years to explain to the parole board why neither man should be let loose.

They are asking people to sign their petition on Facebook. And, if you can, make a contribution to help defray printing and mailing costs. There is even a GoFundMe campaign.

Send personal letters or a government or community proclamation (deadline by April 15) to oppose parole for Richard LaBarbera to Cayuga Correctional Facility SORC Guidance Office 2202 State Route 38A PO Box 1150 Moravia NY 13118-1150.

Send personal letters or a proclamation to oppose parole for Robert McCain to Collins Correctional Facility SORC Guidance Office Middle Road PO Box 490 Collins NY 14034-0490.

Letters can also be sent electronically. Use this form on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website.

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