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 [email protected]