[Dorthy Moxley, the mother who fought for decades to bring her teenage daughter’s killer to justice, has died at the age of 92. Moxley’s daughter, Martha, was beaten to death with a golf club in 1975, and the case went unsolved for decades. Michael Skakel, a Kennedy cousin, was convicted of the crime and later freed after his conviction was vacated.
Moxley was a “crusader” for justice on behalf of her daughter, but never vindictive. She was devoted to finding Martha’s killer and keeping the case in the public eye, and was known for her kind and cooperative demeanor. Despite the many legal twists and turns, Moxley remained steadfast in her pursuit of justice, and was eventually able to find closure with the decision not to seek a second trial.
Moxley’s son, John, described his mother as a “glass-half-full” person who was always grateful and chose to focus on the communal spirit rather than the law. He said that his mother believed in angels, and that the angels really came out to support her and her family throughout the years.
Moxley was also known for her work with police departments and victims’ advocacy groups, and was often asked to meet with family members of murder victims who were uncomfortable speaking with police. She spoke at police and victims’ advocacy conferences throughout the years, and was able to take the spirit of support and share it with others, which gave her a lot of joy.
Moxley died on Tuesday at her home in Summit, New Jersey, of complications from flu and possibly pneumonia. Her son said that she was at peace with the decision not to seek a second trial, and that they ultimately did get justice for Martha.
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