The parole board denied the release of Martin Verbrugge following our submission of the formal opposition letter. He will remain incarcerated to serve the original sentence mandated by the court. We will continue to monitor the docket for any future filings.
June 13, 2015
Final supporters
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.
Updates
March 22, 2015
I have completed the formal letter outlining our opposition to the parole board. This document is now being prepared for submission to the Department of Corrections to ensure our position is entered into the official record.
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2015
98 Comments
Martin was only apprehended after he was bragging about the killings years later in a bar. This man showed no remorse that he intended on taking 3 lives and should serve his entire sentence.
Martin was given two life sentences, and those sentences need to be served in their entirety. He can be thankful that he did not receive a death sentence, like his two victims.
I knew Barbara. I went to school with her sister and they loved each other so much. Now my youngest daughter is 22. I can't imagine the pain this man caused. He cannot be free. Absolutely not.
Barbara Hoppe was a good and sweet girl who was just beginning her life. She did nothing to deserve this horrible nightmare of a death. This man needs to stay where he is. I believe in forgiveness. I also believe he needs to be where he can pray for forgiveness every moment of each day for the rest of his life.
Barb never had the opportunity to have children and watch them grow up. I miss her friendship and still grieve her death and think of her often. This murderer brutally took away her life. A just sentence was given, and he should serve the full prison term.
I would hate to think that a man capable of such brutality would ever be allowed back on the streets.
I would hate to think that a man capable of such brutality would ever be allowed back on the streets.
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The parole board denied the release of Martin Verbrugge following our submission of the formal opposition letter. He will remain incarcerated to serve the original sentence mandated by the court. We will continue to monitor the docket for any future filings.
June 13, 2015
Final supporters
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.
Updates
March 22, 2015
I have completed the formal letter outlining our opposition to the parole board. This document is now being prepared for submission to the Department of Corrections to ensure our position is entered into the official record.
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2015
98 Comments
OUR judicial system has an obligation to keep citizens safe from predators who commit crimes as brutal as this.... Please keep this person locked up!
Martin was only apprehended after he was bragging about the killings years later in a bar. This man showed no remorse that he intended on taking 3 lives and should serve his entire sentence.
Martin was given two life sentences, and those sentences need to be served in their entirety. He can be thankful that he did not receive a death sentence, like his two victims.
I knew Barbara. I went to school with her sister and they loved each other so much. Now my youngest daughter is 22. I can't imagine the pain this man caused. He cannot be free. Absolutely not.
Barbara Hoppe was a good and sweet girl who was just beginning her life. She did nothing to deserve this horrible nightmare of a death. This man needs to stay where he is. I believe in forgiveness. I also believe he needs to be where he can pray for forgiveness every moment of each day for the rest of his life.
Barb never had the opportunity to have children and watch them grow up. I miss her friendship and still grieve her death and think of her often. This murderer brutally took away her life. A just sentence was given, and he should serve the full prison term.
I would hate to think that a man capable of such brutality would ever be allowed back on the streets.
I would hate to think that a man capable of such brutality would ever be allowed back on the streets.
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OUR judicial system has an obligation to keep citizens safe from predators who commit crimes as brutal as this.... Please keep this person locked up!