Parole Denied to Killer in 1996 Slaying of Peabody Woman
Mass. Parole Board denies early release to one of two men convicted of murdering Peabody woman Kristen Crowley.
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The Essex County District Attorney's office announced today that the state Parole Board has denied an early release to a man convicted of murdering a Peabody woman 16 years ago.
John Keegan, who was serving out a 15-year to life sentence for second-degree murder and attempted aggravated rape, pled guilty to beating 27-year-old Kristen Crowley to death in the woods near her apartment. A second man, Timothy Dykens, was also convicted in the case (of first-degree murder).
The board issued its decision earlier today and imposed a maximum review period of five years.
“This decision keeps a dangerous criminal behind bars,” said DA Jon Blodgett. “Mr. Keegan committed a heinous crime in the kidnapping and brutal beating of Kristen Crowley. He has never taken responsibility for his actions. I will continue to oppose his release as long as I am District Attorney.”
The murder occurred June 1, 1996, when Keegan and Dykens spotted Crowley at a gas station convenience store. They followed her to her apartment, which was nearby, and dragged her into the woods, where they attempted to rape her and eventually killed her.
Keegan pled guilty in the case on Oct. 28, 1997, a day after Dykens was convicted.
Essex Assistant DA and Appeals Division Chief Elin Graydon, arguing against parole for Keegan, said he's failed to fully admit the nature and extent of his role in the murder, continues to engage in abusive and deceitful relationships with women while in custody, hasn't participated in a sex offender treatment program and has a "weak plan" to do so should he be released.
“This murder was a sex-driven, alcohol-fueled stranger assault in which two men targeted a lone female,” Graydon said. “Release is not compatible with the welfare of society.”
ryan walsh
12:25 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Good.they should never get out.
Bob
12:25 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
They both should rot in jail.. Good Job DA Jon Blodgett.!! God I wish we had the death penalty for SCUM like this..
christine
12:25 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Good they should remain in jail forever
nancy bettencourt
12:25 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Rest easy beautiful....
Sheilaschrafft
12:25 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Thank you God. Let them rot.
J
8:55 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
I agree with Bob, I wish we had the death penalty for scum like this too. Better yet they deserve the most inhumane form of punishment by death, something from the medieval times would suit them well.
Sandra Elizabeth
8:55 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
Thank you parole board! I have to admit sitting through that parole hearing was heart wrenching, but all worth it knowing whatever it takes to keep this piece of dirt behind bars! Myself and the rest of Krissys friends and family will see to that everytime he comes up for parole we will be right there making sure he stays right where he belongs behind bars! He took her life....he should do life! R.I.P Krissy...we will never stop fighting for you!
Sandy
peabody
8:55 am on Saturday, November 3, 2012
I still remember former Rep. Slattery shocking the community by breaking the tie vote on the death penalty. Maybe if he grew up in Peabody and knew the family and friends or victim, he would have felt the need to serve more jsutice in cases like this.
M. N. Lowery
12:17 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
They are both guilty, but looks like the coin was flipped. Looks like Dykens was 2nd degree and Keegan was 1st degree.
Ashley
10:17 pm on Saturday, November 24, 2012
After sitting in a room with that animal I was so happy for the.parole boards decision. It was the hardest.day to hear every detail of what happened since I was young when my guardian angel was killed I lost it when he started.to speak not because.of what he said but the.fact that he still has a voice when she was.silenced 16 years ago. I will go to every parole hearing and fight for her miss you auntie xoxo
Cheryl
5:57 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
Rest in piece Kristen...don't know you but I think people who do these kind of things should have it done to
Them in return.