A Thank You Letter

This is a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have supported the effort to keep Paula’s killers in prison. John Murphy, Bob Baird, Bill Schule, and everyone connected to Petition-for-Paula were tireless in working to prevent the release of Paula’s killers. I lived in fear that if they were paroled, another young woman would die, and I do not think I could survive that.
For the first time, Richard Labarbera convinced the parole board that he felt remorse. I am not so sure. After reading transcripts of his parole hearings since 2007 when every 2 years his stories would change; it is hard to believe that he finally accepts responsibility for Paula’s death and the nightmare he created.
In addition to the tireless efforts of John, Bob, Bill, and everyone connected to Petition-for-Paula working to prevent Labarbera’s release we owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis Lynch and John McGowan for their wise legal advice. Without their wise legal advice, our efforts would not have been so successful. Yes, Labarbera is on parole and released in New York, but we could not ask for better conditions. He wears an ankle bracelet and is required to stay out of Rockland.
Losing a child to murder is the worst thing that can happen to anyone. There is no closure. There is no peace. It does not go away. You simply learn how to handle it. I am forever grateful that if I had to go through this nightmare, it was here where there is community support.
I no longer believe that Paula will be forgotten.
Again, thanks to all of you.
Lois