Family Renews Plea to Pennsylvania Parole Board: Keep Wife Killer Rafael Robb In Prison

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rafael Robb should stay in prison until he has served every minute of his 10-year sentence for fatally bludgeoning Ellen Gregory Robb, his wife and mother of their daughter, as she wrapped Christmas gifts in 2006 in the couple's Upper Merion home. The victim's family members and legal team, supported by several public officials, advocacy organizations and the community, will present that position at Tuesday to the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, which is considering Robb's parole request.

Gary L. Gregory, Ellen's brother, said the staunch opposition to releasing Robb before his full sentence expires in 2017 (he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter in 2007) is "based on overwhelming and irrefutable evidence that he has failed to meet the test for early release." Mr. Gregory stated, "We will collectively show that Robb remains controlling, manipulative, and unremorseful for his horrific actions. On behalf of Ellen and all victims of domestic violence, we will vigorously assert he doesn't qualify for early parole." Mr. Gregory is Founder-President of Every Great Reason, a foundation, dedicated to empowering women who are victims of domestic violence.  It was created to turn Ellen's tragedy into a triumph for others.

Robert J. Mongeluzzi, of Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C., who represents the Estate of Ellen Gregory and obtained a $124.4 million Montgomery County jury verdict (2008-36401, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas) against Robb, said, "Years after Robb pleaded guilty to killing Ellen Gregory, and feigned remorse for butchering Ellen, he continued to lie under oath and scheme to deprive his only child of assets to which she is entitled."

Mr. Mongeluzzi added that Robb, whose plea deal was negotiated by former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce L. Castor, Jr., failed in his attempt to cover up his killing and should fail in what will be his last attempt to have his sentenced commuted. Castor's successors have consistently advocated for Robb to serve his full 10-year sentence.

Andrew R. Duffy, who tried the civil case against Robb alongside Mr. Mongeluzzi, stated, "We proved in the court room that Robb intentionally slaughtered his wife, and that his lying, manipulating behavior did not end with his guilty plea, but continues to this day. He has shown no remorse and prison has not rehabilitated him."

In January 2013 the parole board granted Robb's request for parole before the decision sparked a national outcry. After hearing from the Gregory family and others, including State Rep. Michael Vereb (Montgomery County),  who opposed Robb's release, the Board reversed the controversial decision. Rep. Vereb led the legislative effort that resulted in a new law giving family members of victims the expressed right to directly address the Board before it rules on parole applications.

"Rafael Robb savagely took Ellen Gregory's life in her prime and yet he still believes he has paid his debt to society," said Vereb.  "His daughter – not him - deserves our deepest sympathy and support. I continue to marvel at her courage and resolve, and regret that Robb, who enjoyed due process that was initially denied Ellen's family, was never tried by a jury for his horrific crimes."

Last month, in ruling that Robb could not retain all of his assets, including his University of Pennsylvania pension, the judge stated, "To avoid losing control over his wife, control over his daughter, and most importantly to him, control over his money, Defendant bludgeoned his wife to death in a kitchen beating described by defendant himself as a slaughterhouse, and described by a veteran homicide detective of thirty one years as one of the most devastating murder cases he encountered in his career." 

The SMBB legal team includes trial attorney Robert Zimmerman.

SOURCE Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C.