Massachusetts Parole Board denies release of man who fatally stabbed and mutilated man in Plymouth County who rejected his advances

A Massachusetts man has been denied parole after a disturbing crime.

According to the Parole Board, on October 7, 1978, Ronald Benson (previously Ronald Grant Hendricken), after drinking in a bar in Boston and buying a switchblade, picked up 20-year-old Richard Carr for the purposes of having sex. As Benson drove Carr to Benson’s family’s home in Wareham, Carr became uncomfortable and indicated he wanted to return to Boston. Instead, Benson drove to Maple Park in East Wareham and parked the car. Benson placed a blanket on the ground and attempted to have sex with Carr, but Carr indicated that he did not want to have sex, at which point a struggle ensued and Benson stabbed Carr multiple times, killing him. After Carr was dead, Benson cut his penis off. Carr’s body was found the next day. 

On July 18, 1979, in Plymouth Superior court, Benson pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Carr and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Benson was denied parole after his initial hearing in 2007 and review hearing in 2023. Benson waived or postponed his hearings in 1993, 1996, 1999, 2004, 2012, 2017, and 2022.

In denying parole, the Board considered the evaluation of Dr. Bard, the report of Kristen Dame, LISCW, and prior sexually dangerous persons evaluations and determinations. The Board also reviewed prior evaluations, Benson’s institutional history, and the nature and circumstances of the crime.

The Board found that Benson’s release is not compatible with the welfare of society and encourages him to continue with counseling to address his history of sexual violence. The Board considered the testimony of Dr. Bard and a social service advocate in support of parole. The Board also considered the testimony of Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Mello Marvel in opposition to parole.