Maryann Measles: A Victim of Statutory Rape and a Horrific Crime That Shocked Connecticut

In this article, Maryann Measles was a 13-year-old girl from New Milford, Connecticut, who was brutally murdered by eight people in October 1997. Her case made national headlines as one of the most shocking and gruesome crimes in the state’s history. This article will explore the story of Maryann Measles, the motives behind her killing, and the aftermath of the trial that convicted her killers.

maryann measles

The Life and Death of Maryann Measles

Maryann Measles was born on June 28, 1984, to Cindi Measles and Robert Measles. She had two sisters, Jennifer and Michelle, and a brother, Robert Jr. She attended Sarah Noble Intermediate School and was described by her family and friends as a popular, outgoing, and independent girl who loved animals, music, and dancing.

Maryann was also known for hanging out with an older crowd of teenagers and young adults who smoked marijuana and cigarettes at a secluded spot in New Milford. Among them were five men and three women who would later become her murderers: A.J. Walter Jr., Keith Foster, Jeffrey Boyette Jr., Ronald Rajcok, Dorothy Hallas, Maggie Mae Bennett, June Bates Sager, and Maryann (Lynn) Sullivan.

According to court testimony, Maryann had sexual relations with Foster and Walter, who were 19 and 21 years old respectively, when she was only 13. When Cindi Measles learned of this, she accompanied Maryann to the police station, where the teenager made statutory rape complaints against the two men. This angered the group, who feared that their involvement with Maryann would land them in jail. The men wanted to silence Maryann, while the women were jealous of her sleeping with their boyfriends.

On October 19, 1997, Maryann called her mother to pick her up from a supermarket parking lot in New Milford. As she waited for her mother to arrive, she was abducted by the group in a van. They drove her to a remote location near Lake Lillinonah, where they beat her, gang-raped her, strangled her with a rope, and drowned her in the lake. They wrapped her body in a blanket and chains and dumped it near a boat launch in Bridgewater.

Maryann’s body was not found until July 15, 1998, after an anonymous tip led the police to the lake. Her family had spent months searching for her, posting flyers and appealing for help. The police had also conducted hundreds of hours of investigation, interviewing dozens of people and following many leads.

The Arrest and Trial of the Killers

The breakthrough in the case came in October 2002, when Hallas confessed to her role in the murder and implicated the other seven suspects. They were all arrested and charged with various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and risk of injury to a minor.

The trial lasted for several years, as some of the defendants pleaded guilty or no contest to avoid facing the death penalty or life imprisonment. Others went to trial and were found guilty by juries. The sentences ranged from 25 years to life in prison for the eight killers.

The trial revealed the horrific details of what Maryann endured before she died. She was raped by six of the eight defendants (all except Sullivan and Sager), while the others watched or participated in the beating. She begged for mercy and cried for her mother as they tortured her. She was still alive when they threw her into the lake.

The trial also exposed the lack of remorse and empathy among some of the killers. Walter Jr., who was considered the ringleader of the group, showed no emotion as he pleaded guilty to felony murder and other charges. He admitted that he wanted to kill Maryann because she was going to ruin his life with the rape allegations. He also said that he felt no guilt or regret for what he did.

Bennett, who was Walter Jr.’s girlfriend at the time of the murder, also showed no remorse as she reached a plea deal for a 19-year prison term on a conspiracy charge. She testified that she hated Maryann because she slept with Walter Jr. and that she wanted to see her suffer. She also said that she did not care about Maryann’s family or how they felt about losing their daughter.

The Impact and Legacy of Maryann Measles

The murder of Maryann Measles shocked and saddened not only her family and friends but also the entire community of New Milford and beyond. The case drew national attention and media coverage, as people were appalled by the brutality and senselessness of the crime. The case also raised awareness about the issues of statutory rape, peer pressure, and violence against women and children.

Maryann’s family and friends have tried to cope with their loss and grief by honoring her memory and seeking justice for her. They have held vigils, memorials, and fundraisers to remember Maryann and support her cause. They have also attended the trials and hearings of the killers, confronting them with their pain and anger. They have expressed their disappointment and outrage when some of the killers were released early from prison for good behavior or parole.

Maryann’s sister, Jennifer Measles-Mankus, has been especially vocal and active in keeping Maryann’s story alive and fighting for her rights. She has created a Facebook page called “Justice for Maryann Measles” to share updates and information about the case. She has also advocated for stricter laws and penalties for sex offenders and murderers, as well as better protection and support for victims and their families.

Maryann Measles was a young girl who had a bright future ahead of her. She was robbed of her life by a group of people who had no regard for her dignity or humanity. Her story is a tragic reminder of the evil that exists in the world, but also of the courage and resilience that can overcome it. Maryann Measles will never be forgotten.

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