In case that garnered national attention, Plymouth County mother denied parole in murder of 4-year-old daughter

A Plymouth County mother sentenced to life in prison for her role in the death of her young daughter has been denied parole.

On February 9, 2010, in Plymouth Superior Court, Carolyn Riley was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for second-degree murder in the death of her four-year-old daughter, Rebecca Riley in Hull.

After consideration of all relevant facts, including the nature of the underlying offense, the age of the inmate at the time of offense, criminal record, institutional record, the inmate’s testimony at the hearing, and the views of the public as expressed at the hearing or in written submissions to the Parole Board, the Board concluded by unanimous vote that Riley is not a suitable candidate for parole.

The Board is of the opinion that Carolyn Riley has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitative progress that would make her release compatible with the welfare of society.

In a case that garnered national attention, according to the Board, on December 13, 2006, Riley and her husband, Michael Riley, murdered their four-year-old daughter Rebecca Riley. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as intoxication due to the combined effects of clonidine, Depakote, dextromethorphan (cough syrup), and chlorpheniramine (cold medicine). The amount of clonidine alone was high enough to cause death as a result of heart failure and pulmonary edema. Riley maintains that Rebecca had a “cough” and she simply did not take Rebecca to the doctor in a timely manner. She stated she followed all doctor recommendations for Rebecca’s care.

The Board noted that medical records indicated that Rebecca suffered from a prolonged period of abuse. Riley’s account of Rebecca’s death is at odds with both physical evidence and numerous witness statements. To suggest that the child’s death was anything, but fatal maltreatment defies logic, according to the Board.

Riley has reportedly engaged in numerous programs but does not appear to have benefited from them as the Board stated that she demonstrates zero insight into her culpability.

The Board believes that Riley needs to do serious work in the areas of victim empathy and understanding the choices she made as a parent. To the extent that she is able, she should pursue any available counseling to address anger, violence, and other need areas.

On September 27, 2010, Michael Riley was found guilty of first-degree murder and received the automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Carolyn Riley’s next appearance before the Board will take place in five years.