WJZ
August 4, 2010
http://wjz.com/local/john.merzbacher.2.1841469.html
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| John Merzbacher, a convicted rapist, was granted an appeal by a federal court judge. |
A former Catholic school teacher and convicted rapist could soon be released early from prison but efforts are growing to stop that from happening.
Kelly McPherson explains prosecutors, the Catholic Church and the jailed man's wife are all weighing in."I'm just grateful for this verdict. He's off the street and hopefully other children will be safe," said Liz Murphy.
Fifteen years after that relieved statement, Murphy is begging for the convicted child rapist to serve out his time handed down that day.
"We no longer can tolerate child rapists out on the street anymore. When they're sentenced and they're given life, make it life," Murphy said.
John Merzbacher, a former Catholic school teacher, was convicted of repeatedly raping Murphy when she was a child. He's been accused in dozens of other cases but the federal court has granted an appeal that would release Merzbacher within days.
Merzbacher claims that during his 1995 trial, his lawyer never told him about a plea deal. His attorney, Cristina Guiterrez, has since died; she was disbarred before her death.
The Baltimore's State's Attorney is among those asking for the Circuit Court to keep Merzbacher confined.
"The victims deserve justice. We want to assure that those convictions and the life sentences imposed for this crime are preserved," said Patricia Jessamy.
"I didn't do any of these things," Merzbacher said.
Merzbacher maintains his innocence.
His wife told WJZ on Tuesday she is "delighted" that the appeal is moving forward.
"I'm still very supportive of my husband--very supportive," said Gloria Merzbacher.
More than 600 people have signed an online petition asking for the man to stay in prison.
"At the end of the day, whatever the judges decide, they will have to live with. But in my conscience, I have to know that I did everything humanly possible to speak out as much as possible to keep John Merzbacher in prison," Murphy said.
The Archdiocese submitted a letter when this appeal was first requested asking that Merzbacher stay in jail. Archbishop Edwin O'Brien is saying that the impact of his crimes are still being felt in the Catholic community.
The state of Maryland has 60 days to respond to this appeal.
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