The Long Shadow of Katy's Killer: Parole Hearings and Other Updates to 'A Stranger Killed Katy'

by William D. LaRue

In this sequel to his 2021 true-crime book A STRANGER KILLED KATY, author William D. LaRue puts a spotlight on stunning developments surrounding the brutal 1986 murder of Clarkson University sophomore Katherine “Katy” Hawelka. While Katy’s family continues their tireless fight to keep convicted killer Brian M.McCarthy behind bars, McCarthy attempts to rewrite history, portraying his heinous crime as a tragic accident.

LaRue draws on New York parole board transcripts, prison records, interviews, and newly uncovered psychological evaluations to expose McCarthy’s campaign to win freedom. The story builds to a dramatic 2023 parole hearing, where McCarthy’s manipulations collide with a board determined to uncover the truth.

THE LONG SHADOW OF KATY’S KILLER is a sobering account of an inmate's enduring quest for parole, and a family’s unyielding determination to honor their daughter’s memory. LaRue’s masterful storytelling will leave readers riveted—and inspired by a case that proves that, sometimes, justice prevails.

151 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

William D. LaRue is an award-winning journalist and former reporter and television critic for The Post-Standard in Syracuse, New York. He recently retired as an online producer for newspaper websites owned by Advance Local. A native of Potsdam, New York, he received a bachelor's degree in English from State University College at Potsdam and a master's degree in communications from Syracuse University. His published books include the 2021 true crime story, "A Stranger Killed Katy: The True Story of Katherine Hawelka, Her Murder on a New York Campus, and How Her Family Fought Back," the 2015 biography, "CANDY: True Tales of a 1st Cavalry Soldier in the Korean War and Occupied Japan," co-written with his father, Kenneth J. LaRue; and the 2018 biography "Captain Puckett: Sea Stories of a Former Panama Canal Pilot," co-written with Kenneth P. Puckett. William, a father of two, lives in a suburb of Syracuse with his wife, Kathleen.

Reviews

[Court · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow-up to 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐲, which is the true crime account of the 1986 murder of Clarkson University sophomore Katy Hawelka. This account follows the court case as well as some details from the investigation that didn’t make it into the first book. You definitely need to read the first book first.

This murder took place basically in my (proverbial) backyard - and Clarkson is one of the three other universities near the one I work at (and near the one I attended), so this is very personal for me and for my fellow North Country friends.

LaRue did an excellent job providing even more detail and further ensuring why we are all passionate about ensuring that Brian M. McCarthy remains behind bars.

An important read for my NoCo friends, but both books paired together are perfect for any true crime fan in my life.

[Jessica Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very important follow up to A Stranger Killed Katy. Showcasing the parole hearings through words, I felt compassion and heartbreak for Katy’s family. I’m so sorry they have to live through this every two years. The author does a great job keeping Katy’s life as a focal point. Excellent read.

[Lisa Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the first book and this is an informative and enlightening follow up and continuation with current details. The author does his homework!