On September 11, 1980, Barbara K. Hoppe, Lee Matzig, and Chris Bates were watching T.V. when Martin Verbrugge and an accomplice entered the front door. These two armed men tied up Chris and Lee. They then took Barbara to the bedroom where she was brutally beaten, raped, strangled and stabbed to death. They drove Chris and Lee to a wooded area, shot them and left thinking they were both dead. Chris died instantly, Lee although seriously wounded did survive and was a key witness at the trial.

Verbrugge pled guilty to murder and attempted capital murder and was sentenced to two life sentences in prison and will have served 33 years when he is considered for parole.

We, the undersigned, STRONGLY OPPOSE parole for Martin Verbrugge. Justice demands he serve the full prison term given to him at the time of his sentence.