Because of a quirk in Massachusetts law, John Geoghan’s conviction will be probably voided since he can’t be present at his appeal. Fat lot of good that does him. But even so, victims groups are finding something else to be unhappy about.
David Clohessy of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests worried Geoghan’s final legacy could have a detrimental effect on abuse victims. “It reinforces the notion that these guys always win,” he said. “I worry that will make it harder for some victims report their abuse.”
Win?! The guy was strangled by a homicidal maniac in prison. I’d hate to see their definition of losing. Like I’ve said before, it’s one thing to suffer the consequences of someone else’s evil actions upon you, but at some point you have stop holding on to the pain and looking for ways to remain unhappy.
By the way, regarding this notation in the article:
In a loophole of Massachusetts law, Geoghan and other deceased felons - such as John C. Salvi III, who apparently committed suicide in 1996 after being found guilty of killing two abortion clinic workers two years earlier - may have their convictions voided because they cannot be present for their appeals.
I don’t believe Salvi committed suicide. He was found hung in his cell with his feet bound and his hands tied behind his back. That’s a neat trick to accomplish, likely a masochistic Houdini.
Dennis,
It was reported in the newspapers at the time, that’s all I can say for sure.