Dorthy Moxley, a devoted mother who dedicated decades to seeking justice for her daughter Martha, who was murdered as a teenager, has passed away at the age of 92. Her journey through a high-profile and tumultuous Connecticut murder case remained in the national spotlight for years.
Moxley faced numerous legal hurdles over the years, particularly involving Michael Skakel, a Kennedy relative who was initially convicted of the murder before having his conviction overturned. On Tuesday, Moxley died at her home in Summit, New Jersey, due to complications from the flu and possibly pneumonia, as shared by her son, John.
John Moxley reflected on his mother’s unwavering optimism throughout their challenging journey, describing her as a “crusader” for justice without displaying any bitterness. For over two decades, she remained focused on solving Martha’s murder, which took place on October 30, 1975. The teenager was brutally killed with a golf club, and her body was discovered the following day under a tree on her family’s property in the affluent Belle Haven area of Greenwich, conveniently near the Skakel household.
The mystery surrounding Martha’s murder captivated public attention and prompted various books, films, and documentaries in its wake. In 2016, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a defender of his cousin Skakel, published a book declaring that Skakel was wrongfully accused. Skakel was arrested in 2000, found guilty in 2002, and sentenced to two decades to life in prison. Following his conviction, he filed repeated appeals. After serving more than 11 years behind bars, Skakel was released on bail in 2013 when a judge determined that his legal counsel was insufficient during the original trial.
The Connecticut Supreme Court restored the conviction in a 4-3 ruling in 2016, but the justice who authored that opinion retired shortly thereafter. A new justice later sided with Skakel in an unusual 4-3 ruling in 2018, leading to the reinstatement of his innocence. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the state’s appeal, and a retrial was deemed unfeasible due to the death of numerous potential witnesses and insufficient evidence. Skakel’s attorney, Stephan Seeger, proclaimed a “day for justice” upon his release, asserting his client’s innocence.
In a 2020 interview, John Moxley noted that both he and his mother maintained their belief in Skakel’s guilt but chose to accept the decision not to pursue a new trial. On Thursday, he conveyed their sense of having attained justice for Martha. He emphasized the incredible support they received from the community, remarking on his mother’s gratitude and her appreciation for the collective spirit surrounding their fight for justice.
Dorthy Moxley was recognized for her compassionate nature and was often sought out by law enforcement agencies in other states to comfort families of murder victims. Throughout the years, she spoke at various police and victim advocacy conferences, sharing her insights and striking connections with others. John affirmed that his mother found joy in helping those in distress, often emphasizing her strength rather than toughness. “I’m not tough. I’m just strong,” she would assert, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.
