A man serving two life sentences for the 1982 murder of 22-year-old Stephanie Roper may be granted an early release from prison under the Juvenile Restoration Act, according to a press release from the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc.

In 1982, Stephanie Roper crashed her car on her way home in Prince George’s County. Jerry Beatty and an accomplice then offered her a ride but instead abducted her, raped her, tortured her and ultimately murdered her, as stated in the press release.

Stephanie Roper is recognized as the victim of one of America’s most cruel and horrific crimes, which caused outrage throughout the state of Maryland. This led to the creation of the Stephanie Roper Foundation, now known as the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC).

Beatty, now 59 years old, was 17 at the time of the murder.

He is requesting an early release from prison under the Juvenile Restoration Act, passed in 2021. This law allows juveniles convicted as adults to request a lesser sentence after serving a minimum of 20 years.

The MCVRC is opposing the early release of Jerry Beatty, emphasizing the harm he has caused to Stephanie Roper’s family.

“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.

The MCVRC believes that releasing Jerry Beatty would show disrespect for victims, survivors and their families.