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A Stranger Killed Katy: The True Story of Katherine Hawelka, Her Murder on a New York Campus, and How Her Family Fought Back
KATY DIED THREE DAYS AFTER THE BRUTAL ATTACK. JUSTICE ARRIVED THREE DECADES LATER. In the early morning hours of August 29, 1986, Clarkson University sophomore Katy Hawelka – bright, pretty and full of life – strolled back to her upstate New York campus after a night out. On the dimly lit path beside the university’s ice hockey arena, a stranger emerged from the darkness. The brutal sexual assault and strangulation that followed rocked the campus and the local community. When Katy was declared brain-dead three days later, her family’s nightmare had only just begun. Terry Connelly soon learned details about her daughter’s death that would make her blood boil. From the bungling campus guards who could have stopped the murder, to mistakes by others that allowed the killer to wander the streets committing violence, Katy's mother became certain of one The criminal justice system only meant “justice for the criminals.” A STRANGER KILLED KATY is the true story of a life cut tragically short, and of the fight by a grieving mother and others more than 30 years later to ensure that a killer would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2021
144 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
William D. LaRue
7 books6 followersWilliam 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 4, 2021
This was an incredibly difficult book for me to read - as a parent, as a college administrator at a nearby college, and as a person who lives just miles away from where this murder happened.
While I was just a kid in 1986 when Katy Hawelka was murdered, this book resonated deeply with me. LaRue’s extensive research provided a captivating tale of a murder and sexual assault in a small town. This tragedy- every parent’s worst nightmare- would have been heartbreaking and terrifying anywhere, but even more so in the small community of Potsdam, NY.
Knowing many of the individuals who played roles in this case made the book exponentially more interesting, but nonetheless heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe it happened here.
After nearly 20 years in higher education and the last 12 as an administrator, this book underscores deep-seeded concerns about student safety and well-being. My heart broke right along with Katy’s parents. This is the unimaginable.
A great mystery and legal thriller. May Katy’s memory live on forever.
While I was just a kid in 1986 when Katy Hawelka was murdered, this book resonated deeply with me. LaRue’s extensive research provided a captivating tale of a murder and sexual assault in a small town. This tragedy- every parent’s worst nightmare- would have been heartbreaking and terrifying anywhere, but even more so in the small community of Potsdam, NY.
Knowing many of the individuals who played roles in this case made the book exponentially more interesting, but nonetheless heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe it happened here.
After nearly 20 years in higher education and the last 12 as an administrator, this book underscores deep-seeded concerns about student safety and well-being. My heart broke right along with Katy’s parents. This is the unimaginable.
A great mystery and legal thriller. May Katy’s memory live on forever.
March 15, 2021
This meticulously researched true-crime novel was difficult to read, but well worth sticking with it. Told from the victim’s family’s perspective, it covers the hideous 1986 murder and rape of Katy Hawelka on her New York college campus, followed by the trial of the suspect, and the aftermath as it plays out in the legal system, decade after decade, pretty much up to current day.
Reading the details, it’s incredibly difficult to witness the suffering of the victim as well as the never-ending horror the family lived through and will never fully recover from.
The author does a great job of contextualizing the crime, including providing chilling insight into college campus safety and security issues at the time (and legislated changes since). I learned a lot from the detailed coverage of both the criminal and legal trial proceedings, and I suffered deep conflict when witnessing the inside look provided to the parole process. The author raises the question “ Do you believe that every incarcerated human is redeemable?”
Reading this story, it hard to feel confident that the answer to this question is “yes”.
Four stars and a gaping heartfelt sadness for victims like Katy and their families everywhere.
A very big thank you to BookSirens, the publisher and the author for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Reading the details, it’s incredibly difficult to witness the suffering of the victim as well as the never-ending horror the family lived through and will never fully recover from.
The author does a great job of contextualizing the crime, including providing chilling insight into college campus safety and security issues at the time (and legislated changes since). I learned a lot from the detailed coverage of both the criminal and legal trial proceedings, and I suffered deep conflict when witnessing the inside look provided to the parole process. The author raises the question “ Do you believe that every incarcerated human is redeemable?”
Reading this story, it hard to feel confident that the answer to this question is “yes”.
Four stars and a gaping heartfelt sadness for victims like Katy and their families everywhere.
A very big thank you to BookSirens, the publisher and the author for an advance review copy of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
July 17, 2021
Very good, satisfying true crime
This one was very victim-focused, even though the author knew the offender personally. The killer's main contribution to this book was a succession of rambling, self-serving stories about his crime that made him look worse every time he opened his mouth. The victim and aftereffects of the crime on her family are the real point of book and their story is well told. This one is very much worth your time.
This one was very victim-focused, even though the author knew the offender personally. The killer's main contribution to this book was a succession of rambling, self-serving stories about his crime that made him look worse every time he opened his mouth. The victim and aftereffects of the crime on her family are the real point of book and their story is well told. This one is very much worth your time.
March 24, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
After a late night out, college sophomore Katy Hawelka was caught unawares walking back to her dorm by a monster. For three days, Katy hovered between life and death until her family made the impossible decision to remove her from life support.
Life for the Hawelka family would never be the same after the early morning hours of August 26, 1986.
Suspect Brian McCarthy was picked up on the scene of Katy’s brutal rape and beating. Giving conflicting reports to authorities, McCarthy was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to killing Katy. But the story does not stop there.
For nearly 30 years, the Hawelka family battled McCarthy, Clarkson University, and more in an effort to both clear Katy’s name and make campuses safer for students.
Author William LaRue does an excellent job of bringing the disparate threads of this tragic tale together over the decades into a concise narrative for the reader. LaRue really gets into the heads of Katy and her family and shows how they strived to keep Katy’s memory alive and make certain that McCarthy served the “life” portion of his sentence.
Having been an avid fan of true crime novels for many years, the only thing I wished LaRue could have accomplished was to interview McCarthy himself in order to get into his head. LaRue did a great job with everyone else, but I really wished I could have understood more about McCarthy’s motives.
After a late night out, college sophomore Katy Hawelka was caught unawares walking back to her dorm by a monster. For three days, Katy hovered between life and death until her family made the impossible decision to remove her from life support.
Life for the Hawelka family would never be the same after the early morning hours of August 26, 1986.
Suspect Brian McCarthy was picked up on the scene of Katy’s brutal rape and beating. Giving conflicting reports to authorities, McCarthy was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to killing Katy. But the story does not stop there.
For nearly 30 years, the Hawelka family battled McCarthy, Clarkson University, and more in an effort to both clear Katy’s name and make campuses safer for students.
Author William LaRue does an excellent job of bringing the disparate threads of this tragic tale together over the decades into a concise narrative for the reader. LaRue really gets into the heads of Katy and her family and shows how they strived to keep Katy’s memory alive and make certain that McCarthy served the “life” portion of his sentence.
Having been an avid fan of true crime novels for many years, the only thing I wished LaRue could have accomplished was to interview McCarthy himself in order to get into his head. LaRue did a great job with everyone else, but I really wished I could have understood more about McCarthy’s motives.
July 14, 2022
Awesome true crime story I met the Author who was a local man. He did a wonder job writing this book . Book was very complete and interested me as it happened with 10 miles of my home.
January 8, 2024
Truly one of the saddest books I have read. The detail and accounts of the family and the appeal process was so interesting and sad at the same time.
September 17, 2022
One thing I struggle with as Ive been educating myself on prison and police issues like abolition, reform, etc. is what should we as a society do with the Brian McCarthy’s of the world.
Human rights are human rights, then cannot be taken away regardless of the crimes a person commits, even if that person violates another person’s human right to life. And while yes I agree that almost anyone with the correct help and resources can be rehabbed and given a second-chance, I also believe that some people, like this fucker, need their asses beat.
This fucking toad of a human being made the CHOICE to seek out, viciously beat, rape, and strangle an innocent young woman as she was walking on her college campus home from the bars. And not only did he make the CHOICE to do this, but he to this day has never fully admitted everything he did, and still can’t fully remember the victims name, and even goes as far as to try and blame Katy for what HE did. That, to me, is simply unforgivable. It would be one thing if he had simply been honest from the start, did his time, and made serious efforts to change his behavior. But he clearly had done none of that.
But regardless of how I or anyone else feels, the victim and their families ALWAYS need to be put first. I absolutely loved how the book completely focused on the family, and what they’ve gone through. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a true crime interest. If you do or want to write about true crime professionally, this is a must read on how to do it in a way that is respectful to the family and the victim. This and “On the Farm” are some of the best TC books I’ve read over the past two years.
Katy could’ve been me, any of my friends, or my sisters. She could’ve been my own mom, who is around Katy’s age, and was in college at the same time. I remember all the time staying out late either going to bars or studying all over campus, and I would walk home at 1, 2 in the morning because it was a small private college campus and I felt safe. Just like Katy felt safe because she was on campus.
Everyday, it seems like a woman dies at the hands of male violence. Sometimes it’s a stranger, but most of the time, it is someone they know- domestic partner, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend of a friend. It’s a terrifying reality for us, and even more scary because how do we fix it? There are many moving parts to blame, mainly patriarchy and male entitlement, but what do we do to stop these kinds of attacks? How do we stop other McCarthy’s from doing this again? I don’t have an answer. Again, I know I have a long way to go, and I might reread this review in a few years and find it to be ignorant, but what I know for sure is that the rage I felt while reading this book and knowing that Katy died in a way that is every woman’s biggest fear, will always be there.
Human rights are human rights, then cannot be taken away regardless of the crimes a person commits, even if that person violates another person’s human right to life. And while yes I agree that almost anyone with the correct help and resources can be rehabbed and given a second-chance, I also believe that some people, like this fucker, need their asses beat.
This fucking toad of a human being made the CHOICE to seek out, viciously beat, rape, and strangle an innocent young woman as she was walking on her college campus home from the bars. And not only did he make the CHOICE to do this, but he to this day has never fully admitted everything he did, and still can’t fully remember the victims name, and even goes as far as to try and blame Katy for what HE did. That, to me, is simply unforgivable. It would be one thing if he had simply been honest from the start, did his time, and made serious efforts to change his behavior. But he clearly had done none of that.
But regardless of how I or anyone else feels, the victim and their families ALWAYS need to be put first. I absolutely loved how the book completely focused on the family, and what they’ve gone through. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a true crime interest. If you do or want to write about true crime professionally, this is a must read on how to do it in a way that is respectful to the family and the victim. This and “On the Farm” are some of the best TC books I’ve read over the past two years.
Katy could’ve been me, any of my friends, or my sisters. She could’ve been my own mom, who is around Katy’s age, and was in college at the same time. I remember all the time staying out late either going to bars or studying all over campus, and I would walk home at 1, 2 in the morning because it was a small private college campus and I felt safe. Just like Katy felt safe because she was on campus.
Everyday, it seems like a woman dies at the hands of male violence. Sometimes it’s a stranger, but most of the time, it is someone they know- domestic partner, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend of a friend. It’s a terrifying reality for us, and even more scary because how do we fix it? There are many moving parts to blame, mainly patriarchy and male entitlement, but what do we do to stop these kinds of attacks? How do we stop other McCarthy’s from doing this again? I don’t have an answer. Again, I know I have a long way to go, and I might reread this review in a few years and find it to be ignorant, but what I know for sure is that the rage I felt while reading this book and knowing that Katy died in a way that is every woman’s biggest fear, will always be there.
November 6, 2021
Just too long for my tastes. May sound cruel and heartless but the actual crime was not that spectacular (as far as true crime books go). Just not particularly worth a book. 90% of the book was filled with trials (both, civil and criminal). At least it put me to sleep at night.
√ There was no premeditation or aforethought involved - the act of the crime was a spontaneous act.
√ There was no extensive police investigation required to find the killer, Brian McCarthy
√ Basically this was a case of a drunken, drug induced drifter / petty criminal gone crazy and becoming enraged and acting out a violent act of rape, resulting the death of a young woman.
√ The accused, Brian McCarthy plead guilty to second degree murder - there was no long drawn out trial involved. The accused did not put up a defense.
√ A family devastated by the brutal loss of their daughter (and sister) seeking justice / retribution / revenge.
√ There was no premeditation or aforethought involved - the act of the crime was a spontaneous act.
√ There was no extensive police investigation required to find the killer, Brian McCarthy
√ Basically this was a case of a drunken, drug induced drifter / petty criminal gone crazy and becoming enraged and acting out a violent act of rape, resulting the death of a young woman.
√ The accused, Brian McCarthy plead guilty to second degree murder - there was no long drawn out trial involved. The accused did not put up a defense.
√ A family devastated by the brutal loss of their daughter (and sister) seeking justice / retribution / revenge.
March 7, 2021
The way the books starts draws you in, however then it Segway's into Katy's parents history and I felt like it went into jus a bit too much detail in saying that you do get to see how the family dynamic is along with connection with the family more, you also get insights from others involved. The facts and timeline of events are laid out well and in a respectful way which I find doesn't always occur with true crime books, but when they are done well like in this book you yourself respect the facts and the person you are reading about. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2021
Local reader
I was many years thinking about this case. Never knowing the whole story. This was well written , this crime will always be in the back of my mind. My heart goes out to the family. Such a terrible tragedy. Knowing some of the people in this story, and being a rare crime in this town. It’s still hard so hard to think such a heinous crime was committed right here close to home.
I was many years thinking about this case. Never knowing the whole story. This was well written , this crime will always be in the back of my mind. My heart goes out to the family. Such a terrible tragedy. Knowing some of the people in this story, and being a rare crime in this town. It’s still hard so hard to think such a heinous crime was committed right here close to home.
May 14, 2021
A young student is assaulted and killed on the campus of a small, private university in upstate New York. The first half of this book tells the story of the attack and how the perpetrator was brought to justice; the second half involves the family's efforts to show the school's negligence and to keep the killer in prison. The author keeps the focus on the victim and her family (rather than the criminal) and provides interesting information about each parole hearing.
May 16, 2022
I heard about this book while listening to one of my favorite True Crime Podcasts. Luckily, the library had it on audiobook.
This one was a tough one for me not just because of the content (the brutality of the crime is not listed in graphic detail) but because of the everything that happened after the savage attack on this poor young girl. The attack happened back in the 80's and thankfully laws have changed since then like this steaming pile of human garbage only being charged with 2nd degree murder because 1st degree murder in NY back in the 80's was only if someone killed a cop or a prison guard.
The autopsy report was 5 single spaced typed pages to document all the injuries that this poor girl suffered. Let me repeat that again - the autopsy report was 5 single spaced typed pages.
The killer constantly lied and denied. Even after taking a plea deal saying he would plead guilty to 2nd degree murder instead of the trial. He still couldn't admit what he did.
I'm glad I work remote and can randomly scream out with a barrage of curse words because a lot of that happened during listening to this audiobook. Hey quick question - WHEN ARE WE GOING TO STOP VICTIMING BLAMING?????? It wasn't because Katy "put herself in a bad position by walking home alone at 3:30 AM" that she was murdered. It wasn't because Katy had a few beers that evening that she was murdered. It wasn't because the doctors removed her from life support after extinguishing all options. IT WAS BECAUSE THAT PILE OF FECES BRUTALLY ASSAULTED, RAPED AND MURDERED HER. PERIOD.
Katy's family is a BAD ASS Family. They sued the College this happened (definitely read or listen to this book to see the actions of the security guards that stumbled upon this assault - WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING - left the area - came back TO STILL SEE THE ASSAULT - left again and came back and found her brutally assaulted but I digress) but not for $ but for security updates & upgrades (shouldn't a college already be a safe safe for these kids?) and they have made it their personal mission to ensure that Brian McCarthy never sees the outside of prison bars. He was sentenced 23 years to life in August 1987. He was up for parole in 2009 and it was denied. Every two years after that, he is up for parole and Katy's parents do everything they can to keep him locked away. He has zero remorse and absolutely no regard for the victim. There is a petition online that you can sign to keep him in there. There is no rehabilitation for a person like this.
This book was amazing. It's very victim & victim family focused. If you are a True Crime fan, definitely read or listen to this book.
This one was a tough one for me not just because of the content (the brutality of the crime is not listed in graphic detail) but because of the everything that happened after the savage attack on this poor young girl. The attack happened back in the 80's and thankfully laws have changed since then like this steaming pile of human garbage only being charged with 2nd degree murder because 1st degree murder in NY back in the 80's was only if someone killed a cop or a prison guard.
The autopsy report was 5 single spaced typed pages to document all the injuries that this poor girl suffered. Let me repeat that again - the autopsy report was 5 single spaced typed pages.
The killer constantly lied and denied. Even after taking a plea deal saying he would plead guilty to 2nd degree murder instead of the trial. He still couldn't admit what he did.
I'm glad I work remote and can randomly scream out with a barrage of curse words because a lot of that happened during listening to this audiobook. Hey quick question - WHEN ARE WE GOING TO STOP VICTIMING BLAMING?????? It wasn't because Katy "put herself in a bad position by walking home alone at 3:30 AM" that she was murdered. It wasn't because Katy had a few beers that evening that she was murdered. It wasn't because the doctors removed her from life support after extinguishing all options. IT WAS BECAUSE THAT PILE OF FECES BRUTALLY ASSAULTED, RAPED AND MURDERED HER. PERIOD.
Katy's family is a BAD ASS Family. They sued the College this happened (definitely read or listen to this book to see the actions of the security guards that stumbled upon this assault - WHILE IT WAS HAPPENING - left the area - came back TO STILL SEE THE ASSAULT - left again and came back and found her brutally assaulted but I digress) but not for $ but for security updates & upgrades (shouldn't a college already be a safe safe for these kids?) and they have made it their personal mission to ensure that Brian McCarthy never sees the outside of prison bars. He was sentenced 23 years to life in August 1987. He was up for parole in 2009 and it was denied. Every two years after that, he is up for parole and Katy's parents do everything they can to keep him locked away. He has zero remorse and absolutely no regard for the victim. There is a petition online that you can sign to keep him in there. There is no rehabilitation for a person like this.
This book was amazing. It's very victim & victim family focused. If you are a True Crime fan, definitely read or listen to this book.
June 4, 2021
The story is about an unfortunate incident that happened in 1986. Kathy, a 19-year-old student has been brutally beaten and abused, inside her college campus. The incident comes into light, minutes after the assault, when the security guards of the campus find her lying on ground in blood and a person lying close to her. The guy, McCarthy is also injured and has no idea on what hit him.
A couple of days post the incident, Kathy is brain dead and dies with hours after the life support is removed, with the consent of her parents. McCarthy is accused of a second-degree murder and rape of Kathy. McCarthy, initially denies but eventually gives a consent on the incident and is hence accused of the murder.
The story tells us the pain that the family of Kathy, post the incident. The mark that leaves on the family members, Kathy’s friends and those who were students at the campus around the same time. It is really hard and painful to suffer through such a big loss and in such a brutal way, it is difficult to understand or realize the pain which Kathy herself went through.
Kathy’s mother Terry approaches court and requests for the maximum life sentence that could be imposed on McCarthy. After the trail, he is sentenced to 23 years of sentence. McCarthy however does not completely admit on all that he is accused off, according to him he has not beaten her, while there were signs of strangling and a hard-hit mark on Kathy.
Post the sentence, there were multiple requests for parole from McCarthy which were all denied, however there were some different versions of his confession. However, Kathy’s family tries hard to make sure that McCarthy never come out into the society. In about 6 parole requests made by McCarthy he never gets a parole approved.
I happened to pick the book from Book Siren, initially I was not sure on weather or not to pick the book, after a few days of thinking I picked the book for review. I have read non-fiction but not something of this sort. It is a very sad incident that happened with Kathy, my heart goes for her and her family, even after so many years. But what is more disturbing is incidents like this happen all around and only a few are actually getting punished for such actions.
I rate it 4/5.
A couple of days post the incident, Kathy is brain dead and dies with hours after the life support is removed, with the consent of her parents. McCarthy is accused of a second-degree murder and rape of Kathy. McCarthy, initially denies but eventually gives a consent on the incident and is hence accused of the murder.
The story tells us the pain that the family of Kathy, post the incident. The mark that leaves on the family members, Kathy’s friends and those who were students at the campus around the same time. It is really hard and painful to suffer through such a big loss and in such a brutal way, it is difficult to understand or realize the pain which Kathy herself went through.
Kathy’s mother Terry approaches court and requests for the maximum life sentence that could be imposed on McCarthy. After the trail, he is sentenced to 23 years of sentence. McCarthy however does not completely admit on all that he is accused off, according to him he has not beaten her, while there were signs of strangling and a hard-hit mark on Kathy.
Post the sentence, there were multiple requests for parole from McCarthy which were all denied, however there were some different versions of his confession. However, Kathy’s family tries hard to make sure that McCarthy never come out into the society. In about 6 parole requests made by McCarthy he never gets a parole approved.
I happened to pick the book from Book Siren, initially I was not sure on weather or not to pick the book, after a few days of thinking I picked the book for review. I have read non-fiction but not something of this sort. It is a very sad incident that happened with Kathy, my heart goes for her and her family, even after so many years. But what is more disturbing is incidents like this happen all around and only a few are actually getting punished for such actions.
I rate it 4/5.
May 3, 2021
I don’t read a lot of true crime or nonfiction. Maybe a couple books a year in those genres. My tastes run more towards fiction, specifically horror. But so often, real life horrors can be much more unsettling than fiction. Even more so when you are familiar with the people or places involved in those real life horrors. That single tether doesn’t allow you to remove yourself from the story, it makes the cold-blooded details hit in a much different way.
Katy Hawelka was brutally murdered by Brian McCarthy while walking home late at night on the Clarkson University campus in 1986. They did not know each other. It was a random act of violence where Katy was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been anyone. McCarthy, 24 at the time, accidentally came across Katy, 19, outside the campus hockey arena and, with no one around at 3:30 am, raped her and senselessly beat her to death.
Campus night watchmen came by TWICE, holding McCarthy in their car headlights, witnessing the attack, but did nothing until they came back a third time because they initially felt it was two college kids engaging in consensual sex, even though Katy lay near death on the ground.
It hurts me to even read what I’ve written here. It hurts because I know one of the surviving Hawelka siblings and cannot imagine what she has gone through. William LaRue took over two years to put this book together, rigorously piecing together public record, private interviews, and family commentary to provide a thoroughly researched and detailed account of the incident, the subsequent trial, and the lasting damage the event has had on the survivors. He does so in a factual and straightforward manner; objective in most commentary but clearly coming to the conclusion that if ever a person is deserving of the full brunt of the law, Brian McCarthy most certainly is.
McCarthy admitted guilt and pleaded to the crime. He is serving a 23 to life sentence and has been denied parole 6 times to date, totaling 34 years behind bars. He should never see the outside of a prison again. But every two years, the Hawelka family must rip the scab off and relive the incident as they prepare impact statements for the parole hearing. There is hope that legislation will extend this hearing frequency to every 5 years, not every two years as it is now.
This single case thrust Clarkson University into an unwanted national spotlight as well as the sleepy college town of Potsdam, NY. Mistakes were made on many levels and the Hawelka family has spent all these years trying to make sure it never again happens to anyone’s child. All the while Brian McCarthy couldn’t even get Katy Hawelka’s name right when referring to her at his parole hearings. He has showed no remorse for his crime, changing the details of his story from hearing to hearing.
LaRue does not bog the narrative down with too much legal jargon or lawyer-speak. The story is told in a relatable manner and he never completely detaches from his subject as he lived in the area and knew McCarthy growing up. But make no mistake—this story is not about Brian McCarthy; it is about the damage done to the Hawelka family and their efforts to effect change in a broken system. And, most of all, to make sure Katy is never forgotten.
Real life horrors exist.
5 out of 5 stars.
Katy Hawelka was brutally murdered by Brian McCarthy while walking home late at night on the Clarkson University campus in 1986. They did not know each other. It was a random act of violence where Katy was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been anyone. McCarthy, 24 at the time, accidentally came across Katy, 19, outside the campus hockey arena and, with no one around at 3:30 am, raped her and senselessly beat her to death.
Campus night watchmen came by TWICE, holding McCarthy in their car headlights, witnessing the attack, but did nothing until they came back a third time because they initially felt it was two college kids engaging in consensual sex, even though Katy lay near death on the ground.
It hurts me to even read what I’ve written here. It hurts because I know one of the surviving Hawelka siblings and cannot imagine what she has gone through. William LaRue took over two years to put this book together, rigorously piecing together public record, private interviews, and family commentary to provide a thoroughly researched and detailed account of the incident, the subsequent trial, and the lasting damage the event has had on the survivors. He does so in a factual and straightforward manner; objective in most commentary but clearly coming to the conclusion that if ever a person is deserving of the full brunt of the law, Brian McCarthy most certainly is.
McCarthy admitted guilt and pleaded to the crime. He is serving a 23 to life sentence and has been denied parole 6 times to date, totaling 34 years behind bars. He should never see the outside of a prison again. But every two years, the Hawelka family must rip the scab off and relive the incident as they prepare impact statements for the parole hearing. There is hope that legislation will extend this hearing frequency to every 5 years, not every two years as it is now.
This single case thrust Clarkson University into an unwanted national spotlight as well as the sleepy college town of Potsdam, NY. Mistakes were made on many levels and the Hawelka family has spent all these years trying to make sure it never again happens to anyone’s child. All the while Brian McCarthy couldn’t even get Katy Hawelka’s name right when referring to her at his parole hearings. He has showed no remorse for his crime, changing the details of his story from hearing to hearing.
LaRue does not bog the narrative down with too much legal jargon or lawyer-speak. The story is told in a relatable manner and he never completely detaches from his subject as he lived in the area and knew McCarthy growing up. But make no mistake—this story is not about Brian McCarthy; it is about the damage done to the Hawelka family and their efforts to effect change in a broken system. And, most of all, to make sure Katy is never forgotten.
Real life horrors exist.
5 out of 5 stars.
December 20, 2021
Reading this book was a surreal experience. I grew up in Potsdam, and I was just barely 16 the night this happened. It was the first time I think I realized that my small town wasn’t the safe haven I’d thought it was. It was also an odd experience because I knew so many people involved in the case, from some of the townspeople to the cops to the rescue squad guys to the lawyers judges. My dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather were lawyers, my father even mentioned in this book, so I grew up knowing these people. To me, they were just the friends and colleagues of my dad, so it was bizarre seeing them in this way, in an official capacity.
This book was incredibly well researched. And one of the things I appreciated the most about it was the fact that it was so centered on Katy Hawelka, the victim. I read a a lot of true crime (coming from a long line of attorneys, I come by that naturally), and so many times, the books are hyper focused on the criminal. And while that’s interesting, it sometimes feels as if the victim can get lost. Mr. LaRue was obviously cognizant of that, and the effort to make Katy the center was obvious. This is especially interesting as the author knew the offender, their families friends.
Also interesting is that the author covered every parole hearing McCarthy has had since becoming eligible, up to 2019 which was the most recent one prior to the release of this book. Katy’s family has continued to fight for his continuing incarceration, and I’m happy that his most recent parole hearing in June of this year resulted in a denial of parole yet again, as the offender continues to refuse to accept full responsibility or to fully acknowlege the truth of what happened.
This book was incredibly well researched. And one of the things I appreciated the most about it was the fact that it was so centered on Katy Hawelka, the victim. I read a a lot of true crime (coming from a long line of attorneys, I come by that naturally), and so many times, the books are hyper focused on the criminal. And while that’s interesting, it sometimes feels as if the victim can get lost. Mr. LaRue was obviously cognizant of that, and the effort to make Katy the center was obvious. This is especially interesting as the author knew the offender, their families friends.
Also interesting is that the author covered every parole hearing McCarthy has had since becoming eligible, up to 2019 which was the most recent one prior to the release of this book. Katy’s family has continued to fight for his continuing incarceration, and I’m happy that his most recent parole hearing in June of this year resulted in a denial of parole yet again, as the offender continues to refuse to accept full responsibility or to fully acknowlege the truth of what happened.
March 22, 2021
This book is about the tragic rape/murder of a young lady named Katy Hawelka and the fight for justice for her. The beginning of the book describe the crime in detail and also the reported movements of the prime suspect. The attention to detail drew me in to the story and I could vividly imagine Katy as a real person and reading what she endured did upset me. From the start the offender appears to be obstructive and very unlikeable. His reluctance to tell the actual truth about what happened in the original interview and then again years down the line at parole hearing when stories start to change is frustrating and my anger towards him grows more! At this point I was fully invested in Katy and wanted to know his reasons for committing such an awful crime but he denies the family this basic right. I have to admit the book began to loose me slightly when it came to the part of the book about the trial but I don’t think this is a reflection on the writings of the author more than I find this part of proceedings a bit tedious unless there are dramatic revelations during cross examinations etc. However I found the chapters about the parole hearings and how the family fight hard to keep him behind by bars very interesting and full of facts. I have awarded 4 stars purely because my attention started to wander in parts of the book but other than that it was a very thoroughly researched and well written book and I would certainly recommend it to others. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my own completely voluntary review
February 26, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found it to be a very moving and detailed book. It was tragic what happened to Katy and while I read and watched several true crime stories, I found there was several reasons the killers use to excuse their actions. I can see both sides of the cases, I don't agree that every convicted convict deserves parole. It should be treated case by case with a honest and impartial review. However this book is about Katy's murder and the aftermath. I found the three times that the security guards came by before finally acting concerning and the way it was brushed off worse. As for Brian McCarthy, the way his story kept changing and way he was able to get some of his bad behavior in prison wiped from records to be shocking that it was allowed. That he killed Katy while on lapsed parole was criminal in more than one way. Based on the transcripts gotten from his parole hearings, I personally don't believe Brian McCarthy has reformed at all. While some won't agree, I don't think 2 year parole hearings are fair to the victims' families in that it seems that they are being punished.
February 8, 2021
Congratulations to William LaRue for a truly very beautifully written, detailed, and thorough researched book regarding an in-depth look into the workings of the criminal legal system after the horrific murder of Katy Hawelka by Brian McCarthy.
The insight of Katy’s life before the tragedy of her death is not only beautifully written but remembered as you get to read and see what a wonderful woman Katy would have been. Her family’s nightmare just begins as they come to terms that 19-year-Old Katy has been murdered and will never come home. Then the trial and horrific details of her final hour in Brian McCarthy’s hands, followed then by endless parole hearings.
Victims family’s need to be remembered as to what they go through and the judicial system in the U.S.A. needs to be re-evaluated as to how prisoners have more rights than victims.
This is a shocking true crime book but a story that needed to be told and a book you cannot put down once you start reading.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The insight of Katy’s life before the tragedy of her death is not only beautifully written but remembered as you get to read and see what a wonderful woman Katy would have been. Her family’s nightmare just begins as they come to terms that 19-year-Old Katy has been murdered and will never come home. Then the trial and horrific details of her final hour in Brian McCarthy’s hands, followed then by endless parole hearings.
Victims family’s need to be remembered as to what they go through and the judicial system in the U.S.A. needs to be re-evaluated as to how prisoners have more rights than victims.
This is a shocking true crime book but a story that needed to be told and a book you cannot put down once you start reading.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2021
My heart went out to Katy's family. What an horrific way for their daughter to die. That, however, was only the beginning of their nightmare.
The battle is now on to keep this monster in jail. Every two years the family must give impact statements to the Parole Board stating how Katy's death has impacted on their lives. Every two years they read the transcript of what was said at the Parole hearing only to find that Katy's killer has once again besmirched their daughter's / sister's good name with his lies. Thankfully his parole was refused each time.
One can only hope that it was once again refused in April of this year and that the time between parole hearings will be increased to five years.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of A Stranger Killed Katy through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
The battle is now on to keep this monster in jail. Every two years the family must give impact statements to the Parole Board stating how Katy's death has impacted on their lives. Every two years they read the transcript of what was said at the Parole hearing only to find that Katy's killer has once again besmirched their daughter's / sister's good name with his lies. Thankfully his parole was refused each time.
One can only hope that it was once again refused in April of this year and that the time between parole hearings will be increased to five years.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of A Stranger Killed Katy through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
May 9, 2021
I do not read true crime novels. This was my first. It read much like reading a newspaper article at first, but it got better as it went. I was drawn to it because I am a local who lives a town over and works in Potsdam and had never heard about it! Of course, I was only a baby when it happened. After asking others if they have, I got a lot of head nods and "Oh yeah! I remember that! That was awful!" It sends shivers down my spine when I think about how this could have happened in Potsdam, on a college campus I am very familiar with.
I appreciate that this book was written from the victims family's point of view rather than the killer. I can't imagine what they have to endure when this monster comes up for parole every two years.
I appreciate that this book was written from the victims family's point of view rather than the killer. I can't imagine what they have to endure when this monster comes up for parole every two years.
December 9, 2021
An Amazing Journey
I have read about 400 true crime books over the last 35 years and I can honestly say that the details in this book are almost unprecedented. This is a really great book that keeps the focus on the victim and her family. The EVIL that makes up this defendant is seldom matched! He needs to stay behind bars FOREVER. I was repulsed by the lies he told the parole board's over and over. Thank you Mr. LaUrie for telling Katy's story. My best friend Listerine daughter in 1995 at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I wish someone could have taken the same kind of interest in what happened to her, still a mystery today. This book is AMAZING and should be read by any and all true crime buffs. Thank you!
I have read about 400 true crime books over the last 35 years and I can honestly say that the details in this book are almost unprecedented. This is a really great book that keeps the focus on the victim and her family. The EVIL that makes up this defendant is seldom matched! He needs to stay behind bars FOREVER. I was repulsed by the lies he told the parole board's over and over. Thank you Mr. LaUrie for telling Katy's story. My best friend Listerine daughter in 1995 at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I wish someone could have taken the same kind of interest in what happened to her, still a mystery today. This book is AMAZING and should be read by any and all true crime buffs. Thank you!
November 5, 2023
My Heart Still Breaks for Her Family
Katy was in the same school and grade as my younger sister. Everyone from Oneida knew who Dr. Hawelka was.
I remember one day when I was asked to babysit for the four children. And of course, I accepted.
They were pretty young at the time. So was I. I remember listening to Betsy and Katy that night. As I put kids to bed, I loved to listen. The other two, Cary and Joey were really really young at the time.
I pray that the day will come when Brian McCarthy dies in prison, so that her siblings, mother and friends will find solace.
Psalms 1:6
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Katy was in the same school and grade as my younger sister. Everyone from Oneida knew who Dr. Hawelka was.
I remember one day when I was asked to babysit for the four children. And of course, I accepted.
They were pretty young at the time. So was I. I remember listening to Betsy and Katy that night. As I put kids to bed, I loved to listen. The other two, Cary and Joey were really really young at the time.
I pray that the day will come when Brian McCarthy dies in prison, so that her siblings, mother and friends will find solace.
Psalms 1:6
For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
April 22, 2021
Victim focused True Crime
I was in junior high in a nearby town when this event occurred and picked up the book because of a local news article. I was impressed by the author's focus on the victim and her family. He clearly expressed their perspective, unlike most authors who focus on the perpetrator or law enforcement/investigators perspective. If you're interested in true crime, this is a good read. And if you're from a small town like so many in Northern NY, you'll appreciate how an event like Katy's murder can shake a community. Bless her family for following through and striving to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
I was in junior high in a nearby town when this event occurred and picked up the book because of a local news article. I was impressed by the author's focus on the victim and her family. He clearly expressed their perspective, unlike most authors who focus on the perpetrator or law enforcement/investigators perspective. If you're interested in true crime, this is a good read. And if you're from a small town like so many in Northern NY, you'll appreciate how an event like Katy's murder can shake a community. Bless her family for following through and striving to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.
February 14, 2022
Maybe 4.5 stars is more accurate.
This true crime book is to be commended for its focus on Katy and all her family and friends. The reader also gets to know information about the murderer and that is interesting, too. But Mr. LaRue makes it very clear what one murder does to so many. He has researched and written well. For true crime fans this is an excellent read. I did feel that Mr. LaRue included more detail than I needed. I suspect that’s why I am only giving 4 stars. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another book written by him.
I listened to this as an audiobook and think the narrator did a fine job also.
This true crime book is to be commended for its focus on Katy and all her family and friends. The reader also gets to know information about the murderer and that is interesting, too. But Mr. LaRue makes it very clear what one murder does to so many. He has researched and written well. For true crime fans this is an excellent read. I did feel that Mr. LaRue included more detail than I needed. I suspect that’s why I am only giving 4 stars. However, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another book written by him.
I listened to this as an audiobook and think the narrator did a fine job also.
April 20, 2021
This true crime book examines the rape and murder of Katy Hawelka, a Clarkson University sophomore from Syracuse, and the attempts by her killer to get parole. I was working at the Syracuse evening newspaper when this crime happened in August 1986, and I am from Potsdam, where Clarkson is located, so this hit home. The author worked at the other newspaper, owned by the same company, so I knew him. Bill LaRue has done astonishing research into this case, and had access to many people involved with it, plus news stories, police reports and court documents. A skillful, haunting story.
January 31, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed.
This story was brought to my attention by a friend who grew up in upstate NY and knew the family of the victim. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is a direct account of the details. Sometimes in the hearings and depositions there was a lot of repeated information. Other than that, an excellent read and account of a true story, by an author who knew the family as well.
This story was brought to my attention by a friend who grew up in upstate NY and knew the family of the victim. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It is a direct account of the details. Sometimes in the hearings and depositions there was a lot of repeated information. Other than that, an excellent read and account of a true story, by an author who knew the family as well.
February 24, 2021
A tragedy that seems endless
This book was very well written and although hard to read because of the content, also hard to put down. My heart goes out to Katy and her family. No one should ever have to go through something like this. The crime itself was tragic enough but the continued fight to keep this evil soulless monster in prison is another tragedy that will only end when he is no longer in this earth!
This book was very well written and although hard to read because of the content, also hard to put down. My heart goes out to Katy and her family. No one should ever have to go through something like this. The crime itself was tragic enough but the continued fight to keep this evil soulless monster in prison is another tragedy that will only end when he is no longer in this earth!
June 24, 2021
Good insight into the parole proceedings
Although there book was a little drawn out, going through the parole proceedings was very insightful. The way the family has to get all the facts time after time (every 2years) and puts the family through such agony to relive over again each time is infuriating. Good book.
Although there book was a little drawn out, going through the parole proceedings was very insightful. The way the family has to get all the facts time after time (every 2years) and puts the family through such agony to relive over again each time is infuriating. Good book.
March 20, 2023
This book is a good who done it non fiction. The murder occurs in a small college town, Potsdam, NY. I did my undergraduate work at Clarkson University in Potsdam. The names of the streets, buildings and culture are very familiar. This is a very good book on its own. It is an even better book for anyone who has ever attended college in Potsdam or lived there.
April 22, 2023
One of those ‘What if’ crimes. What if the security guards had of questioned him the first time they came across them 🥲 Tragic crime, written pretty well. Chapters weren’t too long, and thankfully wasn’t overloaded with too much random info, like so many do. McCarthy remains in prison, denied parole for the 7th time in 2021.
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