by MCVRC Webmaster | Apr 1, 2025 | Press Releases
April 1, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Roberta Roper, founder of the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center
(MCVRC), is speaking out against HB 853, a bill she believes would have devastating consequences
for crime victims. Ms. Roper, whose personal tragedy and loss of her daughter, Stephanie Roper, led
to a lifelong fight for victims’ rights, is calling on all state attorneys to join her in opposing this
legislation, which she contends could lead to an increase in violent crime and further traumatize
homicide victims and their families.
In 1982, Roberta and Vince Roper’s daughter, Stephanie, was brutally murdered just days before her
college graduation. During their grieving process, the Ropers encountered a criminal justice system
that offered no support or rights for victims. Excluded from the courtroom and ignored by the judicial
system, the Ropers formed the Stephanie Roper Committee to advocate for victims’ rights. This effort
evolved into the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC), which has played a key role in
establishing over 100 victim-rights laws in Maryland, including Article 47 of the Maryland
Constitution, which ensures that crime victims are treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity during
all phases of the criminal justice process.
Now, over 40 years later, Roberta Roper is once again standing up for victims, opposing HB 853, a
bill that will jeopardize public safety and further undermine the rights of crime victims. The bill
would expand the provisions of the Juvenile Restoration Act which releasing murderers and other
violent offenders after serving twenty years of their sentences regardless of their actual sentences.
These early releases already have been linked to several recent tragedies, including two violent
murders of women, an armed robbery, and a first-degree arson attempt. Roper’s concerns are
grounded in her decades of experience advocating for victims’ rights, as well as data she has obtained
through Maryland’s Public Information Act, showing concerning recidivism rates for individuals
released under the Juvenile Restoration Act.
“I have been a part of this process since 1982, and I have never seen legislation with the potential to
cause more harm to crime victims than HB 853,” said Roberta Roper. “This bill puts public safety at
risk and could result in more murders, more suffering, and more victims. We cannot stand by and
allow this to happen.”
Ms. Roper’s advocacy is not just about one piece of legislation, it is about protecting the lives of
Maryland residents and ensuring that victims’ voices are heard. She is calling for a thorough review of
recidivism rates and urges legislators to wait for a scientific analysis before pushing HB 853 forward.
“I am 87 years old, and while I’m tired of fighting in Annapolis, I will not stop until this bill is
stopped,” Roper said. “I ask every state attorney to join me in opposing this dangerous legislation and
to protect the victims of Maryland from further harm.”
Contact Info:
Casey Rosil, Communications and Media Specialist
crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
by MCVRC Webmaster | Mar 7, 2025 | Press Releases
March 7, 2025
Baltimore, MD — Despite being convicted for the brutal 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, Adnan Syed will remain free, following a controversial court decision to reduce his sentence. This ruling, which grants Syed time served under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of justice in this case.
Syed, whose conviction was reinstated by the Maryland Supreme Court after being vacated in 2022, should not be allowed to walk free. His release ignores the ongoing trauma suffered by Lee’s family and the undeniable evidence that still supports his conviction. Nothing has changed the fact that Syed was convicted of first-degree murder, his release on a technicality undermines justice for the victim and her family.
Young Lee, Hae Min Lee’s brother, expressed his outrage, emphasizing that Syed’s continued freedom continues to deepen the wounds of a family that has already suffered so much. The emotional toll and media attention surrounding the case do not change the fact that justice has not been fully served.
Allowing Syed to remain free is an injustice to Hae Min Lee’s memory and her family. The focus should remain on the victim and her loved ones, not the rights of a convicted murderer who has not taken full responsibility for his actions. Syed has never admitted his guilt. His case was reviewed on appeal four times and the appeals courts affirmed his conviction.
MCVRC sends our prayers to the Lee family. If there is a bright side to this tragic release, it is the strong support for the rights of crime victims generated by the Maryland Supreme Court in their 2024 decision. The Lee family’s attorney, David Sanford won tremendous victories for the rights of crime victims in that decision. As a result of his work, and of the laws that MCVRC has championed over the years, the Lee family was eventually given their proper right to be present and be heard at the re-sentencing proceeding. MCVRC is very proud of the work of Mr. Sanford, and the supporting role that we played in assisting him in his endeavors.
Contact: Casey Rosil
Communications Media Specialist
240-335-4037 crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
by MCVRC Webmaster | Feb 18, 2025 | Press Releases
February 18, 2025
Annapolis, MD — Today, Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center (MCVRC) stood in front of the Maryland Judiciary Committee to oppose HB-853, also known as the “Second Look Act.” This bill proposes that any defendant who has served 20 years of their sentence, whether life or a significantly longer term, can be entitled to a resentencing hearing every 5 years. The “Second Look Act” would grant convicted criminals, including those convicted of murder, multiple opportunities to have their sentences reconsidered, potentially bringing victims’ families back to court repeatedly to relive their painful memories and traumatic losses.
“MCVRC has fought tirelessly for victims’ rights, and we cannot remain silent when legislation favors criminals over victims,” said Joanna Mupanduki, Deputy Director at MCVRC. “We believe the Maryland judicial system must prioritize public safety and justice for the victims and their families, not offer repeated chances for murderers to have their sentences overturned.”
Joanna Mupanduki, Deputy Director of MCVRC, expressed her concerns about the bill’s potential impact: “With over 17 years of experience as a prosecutor and state attorney in California, Washington, and Maryland, I have never seen a piece of legislation so focused on giving convicted murderers multiple opportunities for resentencing, dragging victims’ families back into court time after time to relive their most painful memories.”
Victims came together to speak out and emphasized that the “Second Look Act” grants second chances to those convicted of horrific crimes, but victims and their families don’t get a second chance.
During the Judiciary Committee hearing, it was noted that victims have the option to choose whether to engage in repeated court proceedings. However, if victims choose not to attend these hearings, their voices are essentially ignored.
This bill is an injustice to victims and their families. It opens the door to endless resentencing opportunities for those convicted of horrific crimes, while ignoring the emotional toll this takes on those who have already suffered so much. In the hearing, the defense team presented several testimonies, but MCVRC was alarmed by inaccuracies in their claims. The Bureau of Justice Statistics highlights the staggering 51.2% recidivism rate for individuals convicted of homicide once released and 60.1% for Rape/Sexual Assault. To view BJS recidivism statistic, click here.
As we stand up for the rights of those who have already suffered from violence and loss, we must be vigilant in ensuring that dangerous criminals are not given opportunities to harm again. MCVRC will continue its tireless advocacy for victims’ rights and urges lawmakers to reject HB-853. The organization remains committed to working for a system that serves justice, supports victims, and protects our communities.
About Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights Center, Inc.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. ensures that victims of crime receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims’ rights and services. MCVRC is a grassroots non-profit organization that became a statewide organization dedicated to serving the interest of crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is the longest running and largest legal clinic serving victims of all crimes in this country. MCVRC attorneys have argued.
Contact: Casey Rosil
Communications Media Specialist
crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
by MCVRC Webmaster | Feb 11, 2025 | Press Releases
February 11, 2025
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) has received funding from the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NAVAA) through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), within the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, to promote community awareness of crime victims’ rights and services during the 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The awarded funding allows MCVRC to host its 4th annual Community Awareness Project – the Make a Difference 5k and Resource Fair. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will take place from April 6-12, 2025, and MCVRC will wrap the awareness week with their event. The planned walk portion of this event consists of a 3.1-mile or a 1-mile walk, giving participants an option of which length best suits them. Additional engagement opportunities include learning about available resources; a healing garden pavilion, and a memory wall.
MCVRC will bring together hundreds of individuals, families and resource partners on Saturday, April 20th at Watkins Regional Park to spread awareness of victims’ rights, remember lost lives and honor heroes. On-site registration will begin at 8am with the 3.1-mile walk kicking off immediately after the 9am ceremony. You can sign up today – https://givebutter.com/MakeADifference4
“The support from NAVAA and OVC for our 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities will help us help crime victims,” said Joanna Mupanduki, Deputy Director. “Members of our community are encouraged to help promote justice through service to crime victims by joining our 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities and supporting victim assistance programs on a daily basis.”
First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week increases general public awareness of, and knowledge about the wide range of rights and services available to people who have been victimized by crime. The theme for 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is “Connecting < KINSHIP > Healing”.
Since 2004, the NCVRW Community Awareness Project has provided financial and technical assistance to more than 1500 community projects that promote victim and public awareness activities and innovative approaches to victim outreach and public education about victims’ rights and services during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. MCVCRC was one of the 98 recommended by NAVAA and selected for funding by OVC for 2025 from the 115 applications that were submitted nationwide.
For additional information about 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities or about victims’ rights and services in Maryland, please contact MCVRC at 301-952-0063 or visit our website at mdcrimevictims.org. For information about national efforts to promote 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc.gov.
The National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators is a non-profit organization that represents the 56 state agencies that distribute money from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund to more than 4,000 direct victim assistance service providers. The money in the Crime Victims Fund comes from fines collected from offenders convicted of federal crimes and not from U.S. taxpayers.
For more information contact:
Casey Rosil, Communications and Media Specialist
240-335-4037
crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
by MCVRC Webmaster | Jan 30, 2025 | Press Releases
Victim Community Stands Together to Oppose Upcoming Legislation Changes
January 31, 2025
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Time and time again, proposed changes in legislation have threatened to weaken sentencing standards and at the same time revictimize a community that has already paid so much. Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc (MCVRC) has been at the center of ensuring victims’ rights are being upheld in the state of Maryland, and over 42 years after their inception, they are still pushing and rallying to ensure victim voices are heard.
Proposed legislative changes concern MCVRC Director, Kurt Wolfgang. “These changes continue the dangerous and inappropriate trend of releasing people who have committed the worse offenses possible. These people are often still dangerous and the mere fact that they even get a new opportunity to be released causes severe problems for the victims and survivors.”
Proposed legislative changes include:
- SB-291 (formerly proposed as SF-123 in 2024) would allow any defendant who has served 20 years of a sentence—regardless of whether the sentence is life or a significantly longer term—be entitled to a new resentencing hearing every three years. Not only would the judge have no discretion in deciding whether to hold such hearings, these hearings would be in addition to any potential parole hearings — which means victims’ family would attend both the resentencing hearings and any associated parole hearings – reliving experiences and traumas time and time again,
- SB-181 (and its cross-filed counterpart, HB-190) would alter the Parole Commission Criteria for eligibility mandating the consideration of the defendant’s age and likelihood of recidivism. This bill would permit the release of inmates with debilitating or incapacitating medical or mental conditions that render them physically incapable of posing a danger to society. Furthermore, the bill mandates parole hearings for inmates aged 60+ who have served at least 15 years, provided they are mot sex offenders, and
- HB-311 proposes granting medical parole for inmates, like SB-181, but also eliminates the Governor’s authority to disapprove decisions made by the Parole Commission under these medical circumstances.
MCVRC put out a call to action to the victim community and victims and survivors responded. Gathering at Prince George’s FOP Lodge 89 in Upper Marlboro, passion filled the air within this group that doesn’t want any new members. This group has found a sense of belonging within a community – relating to other survivors and representing voices that can no longer speak for themselves.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again,” continues Wolfgang, “Murderers should not expect to be released from prison when they have forever deprived someone of their time on this earth and deprived the victim’s family of their existence. These outrageous acts should never be looked on in a diminished fashion. The insult of this diminishment is especially hurtful because it diminishes the value of a life lost and systemically revictimizes survivors.”
During the press conference, six victims shared stories of their loved ones who are no longer with us. St. Mary’s State Attorney Jaymi Sterling also spoke out stating, “I think we can all agree in this room this law is a terrible law. It is a fraud law, it is a fraud on the American Criminal Justice System. It’s sad to say that we call it the “criminal justice system” because it looks like everywhere we turn, it’s justice for the criminals. Where is justice for the victims?”
The hearing for SB-291 is scheduled for today, January 30th, at 1:00 PM. More than 18 victims had planned to share their victim impact statements, yet only two were selected to speak, each granted a mere two minutes. This is not only unfair—it’s a blatant disregard for the voices of those most affected by these proposed changes. Survivors and victims’ families deserve the opportunity to be heard in a meaningful way, yet they continue to be silenced and minimized in the legislative process. The system is supposed to serve justice for all, but by limiting victim participation and undermining their rights, the laws being considered are failing to protect those who need it most.
MCVRC stands firm in its commitment to fighting for victims and ensuring that their voices remain central to any discussion of criminal justice reform. As MCVRC continues its advocacy for victims’ rights, it remains committed to ensuring that these voices are never ignored. The fight for justice is not just about holding offenders accountable, but also about upholding the dignity and rights of those who have been victimized. MCVRC will continue to push back against these harmful changes and work toward a criminal justice system that respects and protects victims every step of the way.
About Maryland Crime Victims’ Rights Center, Inc.
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center Inc. ensures that victims of crime receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims’ rights and services. MCVRC is a grassroots non-profit organization that became a statewide organization dedicated to serving the interest of crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is the longest running and largest legal clinic serving victims of all crimes in this country. MCVRC attorneys have argued in State, Federal and the Supreme Court on Victim Right’s issues which have resulted in major legal victories.
Visit mdcrimevictims.org for more information. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
CONTACT:
Casey Rosil
Communications Media Specialist
240-335-4037
crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
by MCVRC Webmaster | Dec 13, 2024 | Press Releases
Annapolis, MD – December 11, 2024 – ONE OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS IN AMERICAN HISTORY awaits a decision on early release from his two life sentences for the brutal rapes, sodomy, torture, and murder of 22-year-old Stephanie Roper in 1982. Beatty has admitted to abducting, raping, and participating in the five-hour abduction, torture, murder, and body mutilation of Stephanie.
Stephanie wrecked her car en route to her home in Croom. Beatty and an accomplice offered her a ride. Once in the car, their rapes and sodomies began at the point of a gun.
They beat her with a logging chain, intending to “knock her out.” Beatty said that when Roper ran into the woods, they overtook her and shot her in the right temple with a rifle. While still alive, they doused her with gasoline and set her afire. They used an axe to cut off her hands to avoid identification of the body. Then they dumped her body in a nearby swamp. Their crimes have fueled the nightmares of parents and children of Maryland and America for generations.
Stephanie’s name appears on lists of America’s most cruel and horrific crimes. Her terrible murder outraged the entire State of Mayland, and resulted in the founding of the Stephanie Roper Foundation, now known as The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC). Over 42 years, MCVRC has been the most powerful voice of its kind for crime victims, helping many thousands of victims in Maryland and nationwide.
The Federal victims’ rights law is named in honor of Stephanie and several other victims.
MCVRC continues to oppose the early release of Jerry Beatty, highlighting the lasting harm he caused and the need for justice for Stephanie Roper’s family.
At the recent hearing, the impact of Beatty’s crimes was revealed, especially through the emotional testimony of Mrs. Roberta Roper, the mother of the victim. Mrs. Roper spoke directly to Beatty about the pain he caused her family and the life her daughter could have had. Her words emphasized the long-term damage his actions caused, making clear that Beatty’s time in prison cannot erase the loss her family suffered.
While Beatty’s defense focused on his behavior in prison, including his educational achievements, MCVRC believes these efforts do not outweigh the gravity or horror of the crimes he committed.
While rehabilitation is important, it cannot excuse Beatty’s role in the crime. Beatty was directly involved in preventing the victim’s escape and was a willing partner in the cruel and unspeakable crimes that led to her death. “No one who commits such heartless and bestial offenses should be released, ever. It is the mark of a society that does not properly honor the sanctity of life that he is even being considered for release.” Said Kurt Wolfgang, attorney, and Executive Director of MCVRC. Wolfgang helped to found the organization 42 years ago.
MCVRC believes that releasing Jerry Beatty would show contempt for victims/survivors and their families. As we await the verdict, we stand firm in our call for justice and will continue to advocate for all victims’ rights.
Contact: Casey Rosil
Communications and Media Specialist
240-335-4031 crosil@mdcrimevictims.org
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