My mother, Katharina Brow, was robbed and brutally murdered in her home in Ayer, Massachusetts on May 21, 1980. In May 1983, Kenneth Waters was arrested and convicted of first degree murder and armed robbery. In March 2001, Betty Anne Waters helped to free her brother based on existing DNA evidence as portrayed in the movie Conviction released in October 2010. Food For Thought - A swatch of blood was found and tested doesn't mean Waters is innocent.
Hey Mel,there are more people behind you than you could possibly imagine.You know where I stand,we grew up together.If you need me,you call me.love ya,B Jones
I know the next few weeks are going to be difficult for you. Within a week a movie is being released called Conviction. It tells the story of Betty Ann Waters who freed her brother Kenneth Waters from prison after being convicted of the murder of your Mother. Melrose I respect your strength and I will support you in any way I can to tell your story.
The movie will tell you a lot about Betty Ann Waters and what she did to free her brother, but it will tell you very little about Kenny Waters, and why he was convicted of this crime. The overwhelming evidence against him. Very little will be said about his victims, his crimes and his lifelong criminal record in and out prison.
I know you feel strongly that Kenneth Waters was involved in the murder of your mother. However, If Kenny Waters didn't kill your mother then who did. This is the question I want answered. But, the movie will not answer that question either.
The irony in this story which the Movie will not tell you is that less than six months after getting out of prison Kenny Waters fell down , hit his head and died. While his conviction may have been overturned it seems that you may take comfort in knowing that if he did commit this crime he didnot go unpunished. Justice prevailed through fate.
Hi Alicia, You know where i stand on this for sure.I tell as many people about the case and the Movie as i run into daily.It's great that you have started this blog,so that people can see the other side of the story,the Truth!
You are a strong woman and a wonderful friend. I am so sorry to see you having to go through this terrible ordeal again.
From what I have read online so far, I understand this movie's focus is on Waters, what seems to be forgotten is who the real victim was, your mother. I too wonder, IF Kenneth Waters had nothing to do with your mother's murder, then who did? If so, are they still trying to find out who did do it?
You are in my thoughts and prayers and you have my support always.
Yesterday, Hillary Swank stated on Larry King this was a "feel good" movie: there is nothing feel good about the murder event which occurred. Anyone who lived in Ayer, MA at the time of Mrs. Brow's murder, knows the true background of the participants. If this movie was an accurate depiction, why was Mrs. Brow's Family not contacted to comment on the film before it was released to the public? No one wants and innocent person to be in jail, but, has Mr. Water's himself said during an interview after his release: "….you'd be surprised to find out who really did it…."; a statement of knowledge??? It may not be his DNA, but he knew so much about the murder, how could he not know who did it???? The Innocents Program is an amazing program and Ms. Water's did not need to become a lawyer for the Innocents program to look at Kenneth's innocence…..think about it…..I use to have great respect for Hillary Swank, but she sure has put herself in a horrible place, not having researched the whole situation/murder thoroughly. And anyone who believes Kenneth died 6 months after release was an accident is just as ignorant as the people manipulated to do this movie…… If you go see Conviction, understand it is truthful re: the Innocence Program and nothing more.
Hello to all reading. I am the daughter of Nancy Taylor and I was in high school when this brutal murder took place. This movie called Conviction is the truth for Kenny Waters, and I am not sorry to hear he 'opps he fell' and is no longer in our society.
Yes I will go to see the movie and if a book is written yes read that also because in my up bringing (both parents were police) I feel police take and oth and live up to that. Tell the truth and it will get you futher in live.
The movie hogs and Waters family are loving all this publicity...too bad they don't admit the truth, Kenny killed Mrs. Brow just like he attempted to kill the man in N.H. DNA evidence?? Something that has been in storage and not a controlled atmosphere for 20 years is NOT appropriate for DNA testing and will, ofcouse give a false negative. The DA Martha Coakley was thinking about herself only and she threw the police and investigators under the bus. This case should have been re-tried.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't began to imagine the pain you are going through. To have your mother brutally murdered, and to have a movie made, and for Hillary to say it was a " feel good movie" how inconsiderate of her. I think your family should have been contacted and Hillary needs to meet with you and your family. Afterall there was a victim to this horrific crime!! The truth must prevail!!! Your mothers memory must not be left as the woman that was murdered in the movie conviction. You must let the world know that this was a mother,a wife,a friend , and her story has to be told and the truth must be known!!!! Our prayers are with you!!!!
Alicia, Our hearts break again for you & Charlie. So sorry this is bringing it all back for you both. You know where we stand and are here for you if you need us. Love & hugs, D & T
Melrose I want you to know that your family back East love and support you in finding total justice for your mother, Katharina. It has to be very unsettling to know the newly released movie, Conviction, which only portrays someone else's one-sided story but not that of the victim's tragic event. I pray for your family that justice will prevail very soon and your long ordeal will have some closure in your mother's murder. Hang strong Melrose.
The Lowell Sun had a question of the day on Saturday and it was "will you go see the movie Conviction, the story of..... Well almost 600 people voted and 70% said they would NOT.
This certainly is a story that has two sides. But if the information in the movie is accurate, it is two stories of unimaginable tragedy. One doesn't cancel the other out and justice it seems was not really served for any party. Spending 19 years in prison for a murder you didn't commit is not something that any amount of cash can compensate. And certainly and more tragically the loss of a mother to such a violent act can never be understood. I don't know what happened. I have a feeling nobody does.
I don't think your family was left out of the movie or that it was an attempt to keep your side of it out. It was a story about one side. That's true. It was about that process and what appears to have been prosecutorial misconduct. I don't know how others viewed it, but the story certainly made me thing of you and your family with concern and compassion. In that way, your side of the story was told. I hope that's some comfort to you.
Whoever did this deserves to pay for their crime. If Mr. Waters did, I suppose his final justice was falling into the well. If he didn't, there is someone out there we need to find. I hope that someday you get the answers you need. I don't believe in closure because closure doesn't bring anyone back. But I do believe in justice. I sincerely hope you get justice.
I finally watched the "Conviction" and searched more about the true to life story and ran into this. I'm sorry about your mother but after reading some comments here i thought, wow you guys are really pinning this down on Hillary Swank. The story was great and it opened many people's eyes. Yes, it was tragic for your mother but it was also tragic for a man who went behind bars because he was convicted for a crime he did not do and luckily the place didn't have death penalty or else a man would have died for the cause of wrong accusations and facts.
Sympathies for the family of the victim, but from an outside point of view; this movie was not meant to tell the story of a murder, but rather the story of a wrongfully convicted man. As a medical doctor, I can attest that DNA does not "degrade" and does not "change" regardless of the conditions. Since DNA exonerated him - near the end of the film, I felt real anger that the case was recklessly focused on the wrong man, thus letting the real murderer off the hook. I sincerely pray this is one day solved.
DNA Does not need a protective environment and it doe's not degrade over the course of time. It's there for many many years. I have never heard of a false negative. That said, you have my thoughts
I am sorry that your mom's murderer wasn't found. It makes it even worse that they made it into a movie, but always know that many people support you, and that your mom's murderer will get what he deserves, one way or another.
I am sorry that your mom is gone but the movie was about the wrongful conviction of an innocent man. Come down on the crooked cops and the people who lied under oath.
I would hope that Gloria Aldred instead of just trying to get attention is sincerly trying to find the person whom murdered your Mother. Being that there was dna evidence there must be dna that can be put into vicap and search for a match be it familiar or the actual murderer dont stop searching for the truth. The truth seems that there was another male suspect there that left his DNA. Find him. Ill say that I am not sure what I beleive other than MS. Waters was one hell of a sister. I would love to had anyone stand up like that for me. People are convicted all the time that are inocent and railroaded into taken pleas rather than a hefty sentence even when there inocennt. Poor people really can not afford attorneys. Nor do nieve people understand the consequences till later in life when one does plea out. I pray for you and your family you do get the guilty party. And find some closure. I wonder if he really fell or if he had help? Some things will never have answers which sucks> Hilary took a roll as an actress she did a wonderful Job. Maybe more should be done to open your mothers case and find the real killer or to truly find out what happened.
I understand ur opinion but how can u lose respect for someone who is doing her job she is just a actress if the brows feel the movie was only one sided then they should make one of their own and I just learned Mr waters died so let him rest in peace this movie shows how corrupt police and DA's can be just to win a case not the first and win be the last. I believe the brows got mad about not being compensated yes it was about their loved one but the mivie was more about What a sister went through ti help and free her brother from prison not about the brows
Your mother was a bad cop sorry but that is the truth she made people lie just to close a case and get a medal for it glad the movie shows how some not all police are corrupt no matter What year it is
27 comments:
Dear Mel,
My family loves and supports you.
Debbie
Hi Mel, it will be nice if you can link us to some coverage on the story however, my heart feels heavy for you.
Hey Mel,there are more people behind you than you could possibly imagine.You know where I stand,we grew up together.If you need me,you call me.love ya,B Jones
Hi Mel, We support you and hope the truth prevails.
Rob
I know the next few weeks are going to be difficult for you. Within a week a movie is being released called Conviction. It tells the story of Betty Ann Waters who freed her brother Kenneth Waters from prison after being convicted of the murder of your Mother. Melrose I respect your strength and I will support you in any way I can to tell your story.
The movie will tell you a lot about Betty Ann Waters and what she did to free her brother, but it will tell you very little about Kenny Waters, and why he was convicted of this crime. The overwhelming evidence against him. Very little will be said about his victims, his crimes and his lifelong criminal record in and out prison.
I know you feel strongly that Kenneth Waters was involved in the murder of your mother. However, If Kenny Waters didn't kill your mother then who did. This is the question I want answered. But, the movie will not answer that question either.
The irony in this story which the Movie will not tell you is that less than six months after getting out of prison Kenny Waters fell down , hit his head and died. While his conviction may have been overturned it seems that you may take comfort in knowing that if he did commit this crime he didnot go unpunished. Justice prevailed through fate.
Hi Alicia, You know where i stand on this for sure.I tell as many people about the case and the Movie as i run into daily.It's great that you have started this blog,so that people can see the other side of the story,the Truth!
Dear Alicia,
You are a strong woman and a wonderful friend. I am so sorry to see you having to go through this terrible ordeal again.
From what I have read online so far, I understand this movie's focus is on Waters, what seems to be forgotten is who the real victim was, your mother. I too wonder, IF Kenneth Waters had nothing to do with your mother's murder, then who did? If so, are they still trying to find out who did do it?
You are in my thoughts and prayers and you have my support always.
love, k
Yesterday, Hillary Swank stated on Larry King this was a "feel good" movie: there is nothing feel good about the murder event which occurred. Anyone who lived in Ayer, MA at the time of Mrs. Brow's murder, knows the true background of the participants. If this movie was an accurate depiction, why was Mrs. Brow's Family not contacted to comment on the film before it was released to the public? No one wants and innocent person to be in jail, but, has Mr. Water's himself said during an interview after his release: "….you'd be surprised to find out who really did it…."; a statement of knowledge??? It may not be his DNA, but he knew so much about the murder, how could he not know who did it????
The Innocents Program is an amazing program and Ms. Water's did not need to become a lawyer for the Innocents program to look at Kenneth's innocence…..think about it…..I use to have great respect for Hillary Swank, but she sure has put herself in a horrible place, not having researched the whole situation/murder thoroughly.
And anyone who believes Kenneth died 6 months after release was an accident is just as ignorant as the people manipulated to do this movie……
If you go see Conviction, understand it is truthful re: the Innocence Program and nothing more.
Wow, hollywood really needs to get the untold story. There was more than one victim. How tragic.
My prayers are with her....
Dear Alicia,
May God comfort you always. We will keep you in our prayers.
Carole
Hello to all reading.
I am the daughter of Nancy Taylor and I was in high school when this brutal murder took place. This movie called Conviction is the truth for Kenny Waters, and I am not sorry to hear he 'opps he fell' and is no longer in our society.
Yes I will go to see the movie and if a book is written yes read that also because in my up bringing (both parents were police) I feel police take and oth and live up to that. Tell the truth and it will get you futher in live.
The movie hogs and Waters family are loving all this publicity...too bad they don't admit the truth, Kenny killed Mrs. Brow just like he attempted to kill the man in N.H. DNA evidence?? Something that has been in storage and not a controlled atmosphere for 20 years is NOT appropriate for DNA testing and will, ofcouse give a false negative. The DA Martha Coakley was thinking about herself only and she threw the police and investigators under the bus. This case should have been re-tried.
Hi Melrose,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't began to imagine the pain you are going through. To have your mother brutally murdered, and to have a movie made, and for Hillary to say it was a " feel good movie" how inconsiderate of her. I think your family should have been contacted and Hillary needs to meet with you and your family. Afterall there was a victim to this horrific crime!! The truth must prevail!!!
Your mothers memory must not be left as the woman that was murdered in the movie conviction.
You must let the world know that this was a mother,a wife,a friend ,
and her story has to be told and the truth must be known!!!!
Our prayers are with you!!!!
Alicia, Our hearts break again for you & Charlie. So sorry this is bringing it all back for you both. You know where we stand and are here for you if you need us.
Love & hugs, D & T
Melrose
I want you to know that your family back East love and support you in finding total justice for your mother, Katharina. It has to be very unsettling to know the newly released movie, Conviction, which only portrays someone else's one-sided story but not that of the victim's tragic event. I pray for your family that justice will prevail very soon and your long ordeal will have some closure in your mother's murder. Hang strong Melrose.
The Lowell Sun had a question of the day on Saturday and it was "will you go see the movie Conviction, the story of..... Well almost 600 people voted and 70% said they would NOT.
the guy was proved innocent by DNA -
This certainly is a story that has two sides. But if the information in the movie is accurate, it is two stories of unimaginable tragedy. One doesn't cancel the other out and justice it seems was not really served for any party. Spending 19 years in prison for a murder you didn't commit is not something that any amount of cash can compensate. And certainly and more tragically the loss of a mother to such a violent act can never be understood. I don't know what happened. I have a feeling nobody does.
I don't think your family was left out of the movie or that it was an attempt to keep your side of it out. It was a story about one side. That's true. It was about that process and what appears to have been prosecutorial misconduct. I don't know how others viewed it, but the story certainly made me thing of you and your family with concern and compassion. In that way, your side of the story was told. I hope that's some comfort to you.
Whoever did this deserves to pay for their crime. If Mr. Waters did, I suppose his final justice was falling into the well. If he didn't, there is someone out there we need to find. I hope that someday you get the answers you need. I don't believe in closure because closure doesn't bring anyone back. But I do believe in justice. I sincerely hope you get justice.
Dennis
I finally watched the "Conviction" and searched more about the true to life story and ran into this. I'm sorry about your mother but after reading some comments here i thought, wow you guys are really pinning this down on Hillary Swank. The story was great and it opened many people's eyes. Yes, it was tragic for your mother but it was also tragic for a man who went behind bars because he was convicted for a crime he did not do and luckily the place didn't have death penalty or else a man would have died for the cause of wrong accusations and facts.
Sympathies for the family of the victim, but from an outside point of view; this movie was not meant to tell the story of a murder, but rather the story of a wrongfully convicted man. As a medical doctor, I can attest that DNA does not "degrade" and does not "change" regardless of the conditions. Since DNA exonerated him - near the end of the film, I felt real anger that the case was recklessly focused on the wrong man, thus letting the real murderer off the hook. I sincerely pray this is one day solved.
DNA Does not need a protective environment and it doe's not degrade over the course of time. It's there for many many years. I have never heard of a false negative. That said, you have my thoughts
Dear Mel,
I am sorry that your mom's murderer wasn't found. It makes it even worse that they made it into a movie, but always know that many people support you, and that your mom's murderer will get what he deserves, one way or another.
I am sorry that your mom is gone but the movie was about the wrongful conviction of an innocent man. Come down on the crooked cops and the people who lied under oath.
I would hope that Gloria Aldred instead of just trying to get attention is sincerly trying to find the person whom murdered your Mother. Being that there was dna evidence there must be dna that can be put into vicap and search for a match be it familiar or the actual murderer dont stop searching for the truth. The truth seems that there was another male suspect there that left his DNA. Find him. Ill say that I am not sure what I beleive other than MS. Waters was one hell of a sister. I would love to had anyone stand up like that for me. People are convicted all the time that are inocent and railroaded into taken pleas rather than a hefty sentence even when there inocennt. Poor people really can not afford attorneys. Nor do nieve people understand the consequences till later in life when one does plea out. I pray for you and your family you do get the guilty party. And find some closure. I wonder if he really fell or if he had help? Some things will never have answers which sucks> Hilary took a roll as an actress she did a wonderful Job. Maybe more should be done to open your mothers case and find the real killer or to truly find out what happened.
I understand ur opinion but how can u lose respect for someone who is doing her job she is just a actress if the brows feel the movie was only one sided then they should make one of their own and I just learned Mr waters died so let him rest in peace this movie shows how corrupt police and DA's can be just to win a case not the first and win be the last. I believe the brows got mad about not being compensated yes it was about their loved one but the mivie was more about What a sister went through ti help and free her brother from prison not about the brows
I totally agree with you shannon 100%
Your mother was a bad cop sorry but that is the truth she made people lie just to close a case and get a medal for it glad the movie shows how some not all police are corrupt no matter What year it is
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