Prosecutors were back in court last week in response to a request filed by one of the men who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Stephanie Roper in 1982. Jerry Lee Beatty, 59, petitioned the Court for release pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act, citing he was only 17 years old at the time of the offense, among other reasons. Arguments from the defense and the State were presented in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court over a two-day period. Also present in court was Stephanie’s mother, Roberta Roper, who provided an impassioned victim impact statement after being denied that opportunity for over 40 years. “Roberta Roper’s unwavering resilience in the face of profound tragedy is a testament to her strength,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Her powerful statement marked a victory she secured for all crime victims and a fulfillment of her relentless advocacy in Stephanie’s name.” On April 3, 1982, Stephanie Ann Roper, a 22-year-old college senior, was abducted in Prince George’s County after her car broke down. Beatty and Jack Ronald Jones raped her and eventually took Stephanie across multiple county lines to an abandoned house in Oakville, Maryland. After arriving in St. Mary’s County, Beatty and Jones raped Stephanie […]
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