Carl Drew's Blind Justice

Ronald Pina served as the District Attorney (DA) who represented Bristol County from 1978 to 1990. David Waxler served as Assistant District Attorney (ADA) from 1977 through 1981. Hence, at the time the Cult Murders occurred, Fall River fell under their jurisdiction.

As the DA and ADA, it was the responsibility of Pina and Waxler to analyze the police files and make the decision as to whether there was sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Carl Drew, Robin Murphy and all others involved. It is also the responsibility of the DA and ADA to negotiate plea bargains with defendants, offering lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea and/or testimony.

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Four Prosecution witnesses signed affidavits recanting their testimonies. Maureen “Sunny” Sparda, Carol Fletcher, Leah Johnson and Robin Murphy herself have all come forward and stated they felt pressured, and in some instances even threatened into providing what they knew to be false testimony against Carl Drew.

Maureen Spada, who pleaded the fifth during Drew’s trial was allegedly told if she said anything to help Drew, she would take his place. Leah Johnson claimed if she didn’t testify, she would be put away for a long time.  Following her testimony at Drew’s trial, the 8 counts of prostitution Johnson had pending against her were dropped. When Carol Fletcher recanted not only did she admit to false testimony but she also gave a detailed account of the events she witnessed that the night Karen Marsden was murdered. Carl Drew was not present. Robin Murphy has made multiple statements, her most recent to the parole board, she felt as if she was coerced in what she was to say.