As Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed, the family of Rebecca Kerr is voicing their concerns following a recent decision by the Ohio Parole Board to recommend the release of Kerr’s killer, Lincoln Mabry Jr. The board voted 5-1 in favor of parole, a decision that has outraged the Kerr family.
“There’s no way, with how brutal and premeditated this murder was, that this man should ever be released,” said Joe Kerr, Rebecca’s brother.
In response to the parole recommendation, Joe Kerr has vowed to continue fighting for justice. He is rallying community support by gathering signatures for a petition at Canton’s ‘Take Back the Night’ event, an initiative focused on raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. The event is organized by Domestic Violence Project, Inc., whose CEO Julie Donant emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against these crimes.
“Sadly, domestic violence and sexual assault remain all too common, and events like these help raise awareness and support survivors,” Donant said.
The crime dates back to February 15, 1980, when Mabry shot Rebecca Kerr multiple times at an intersection in Perry Township. Kerr’s daughter, who was just eight years old at the time, witnessed her mother’s murder.
“It was a horrible, heinous crime,” said Kerr’s daughter, Melissa Binius, in a July interview. “None of us could change what happened.”
Mabry, sentenced to 15 years to life, was denied parole twice in 2017 and 2022. However, following a hearing in July, the Parole Board’s August report stated that Mabry had served enough of his sentence, completed rehabilitation programs, and had a release plan in place, making him eligible for parole.
Joe Kerr, undeterred by the decision, has filed an appeal with the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, requesting a full board hearing next year. He remains committed to keeping Mabry behind bars for life.
“As draining as this is, I won’t stop,” Kerr said. “He abducted my sister and her young daughter and murdered her. He should never walk free.”
Kerr is calling on the Parole Board to reconsider, adding, “Please, do the right thing—keep him in prison until he dies.”