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Imprisoned Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel lost a bid for freedom on Wednesday, turned down at his first parole hearing since he was convicted a decade ago of beating his teenage neighbor to death with a golf club. He was told he would not be eligible again to be considered for release for five years.
Skakel, who proclaimed his innocence at the hearing, nodded, grimaced and patted his attorney on the back as he was led away after the three-person state parole board announced its unanimous decision.
Skakel, a nephew of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, was convicted in 2002 of fatally beating Martha Moxley in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1975, when they were 15. He is serving 20 years to life in prison.
The decision was the latest setback for Skakel, who has lost appeals challenging his conviction.
Skakel, whose case has long drawn international attention, has another appeal, challenging the work and competency of his trial attorney, coming up for trial in the spring. He claims the trial attorney had financial problems and did not devote enough money to preparing the case, but the attorney insists he did everything he could to keep Skakel from being convicted.
The denial of parole came after Skakel's supporters, including his cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr, sent letters to the parole board describing him as a model inmate who has touched many lives in a positive way with his artwork, and by helping recovering alcoholics and teaching English as a second language to prisoners.
His supporters also say he has been devoted to his son, despite being in prison.
At the hearing at McDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Skakel spoke slowly and softly, saying: "I did not commit this crime."
In attendance was the victim's mother, Dorthy Moxley, who said losing a child is the worst thing in the world, and Skakel should serve at least 20 years.
Skakel told the parole board he prays every day that whoever committed the crime is brought to justice, but he is the wrong man.
The chairwoman of the parole board, Erika Tindill, said it was an odd situation for him to ask for early release while proclaiming his innocence.
Ultimately, she said, the board concluded that the time he has served is not punishment enough for the crime while noting that the decision was not based on a risk he would reoffend. Board members praised Skakel for activities in prison.
The victim's brother, John Moxley, said during the hearing that he believes Skakel should serve a life sentence. He said Skakel has not shown any remorse.
Skakel will have another chance to try to get out of prison next April, when his appeal, seeking a new trial, goes to court.
Questions:
1. Who lost his bid for freedom this week?
2. What is he in prison for?
3. When did the death occur?
Answers:
1. Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel.
2. He was convicted in 2002 of beating his teenage neighbor to death with a golf club.
3. 1975.
About the broadcaster:
Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.