A Massachusetts woman was hoping for parole after two murders she has no memory of committing.
On Dec. 3, 1992, 40-year-old Katherine McGlincy killed Eero, 72, and Lillian Helin, 65. Two years later in Plymouth Superior Court, McGlincy pleaded guilty to murder in the second-degree and was sentenced to two concurrent terms of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
More than 30 years later, McGlincy has been eligible for parole since 2008 when she initially when in front of the parole board. But the Massachusetts Parole Board doesn’t believe McGlincy’s time in prison is over.
“Ms. McGlincy has a history of violence and criminal convictions related to substance misuse. While she was disciplinary report free for several years, she had a disciplinary report a few months prior to her hearing,” the parole board wrote in its Aug. 19 decision.
On Dec. 3, 1992, McGlincy was smoking crack cocaine at the house she shared with her father. In order to buy more drugs, McGlincy decided to rob the couple who lived nearby.
Armed with a handgun, she knocked on the Helin’s door and was allowed in by Lillian Helin. Displaying the gun, McGlincy demanded money. After Lillian Helin gave her money, McGlincy forced the woman to lie face down on the floor and fatally shot her three times in the back.
McGlincy then went upstairs to the bedroom. But it’s still unclear what happened next.
Eero Helin had limited mobility and strength due to Parkinson’s disease and had limited mobility and strength. Eero Helin died from suffocation but McGlincy has never provided a credible account of how she killed him.
She said she remembered seeing Eero Helin in bed, but has no memory of harming him. Similarly, she remembers entering the house with the gun but not shooting Lillian Helin.
The couple’s bodies weren’t found until Dec. 10, 1992.
Six weeks later, McGlincy committed another violent crime.
While hitchhiking, she had been given a ride by Mark Walther. In order to steal his car, McGlincy shot him multiple times.
Walther survived. She was arrested later that day and officials found the murder weapon used to kill Lillian Helin.
The parole board has asked for a forensic evaluation, which includes risk assessments that would assist the board in “determining whether her release is compatible with the welfare of society and what her needs may be in the community.” She has also been denied parole in 2011, 2016 and 2021.
Plus, the board stated, she needs a better reentry plan.
“The Board has concerns regarding Ms. McGlincy’s re-entry plan,” the parole board wrote in its decision. “She has little community supports. The Board hopes for a more comprehensive re-entry plan, which addresses her mental health and substance use, including any DMH supports available.”
One board member voted for parole in August, allowing her to move to a group living environment. However, a majority voted to deny parole in hopes of getting more answers and a better plan.
She has about six months to work on those things before she’s allowed to go in front of the parole board again and plead her case.
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