From the Thompson family, an open letter to...

The Jury.  We can only imagine the rigors of serving on such an emotional trial and would never want to be put in that position ourselves.  We understand how convincing the police and prosecutors can be.  We can almost understand why you came up with the guilty verdict.  But the fact of the matter is that no motive, no credible evidence and no valid testimony linked Ryan to the crime, yet he was wrongfully arrested, prosecuted, and convicted.  We have access to all the evidence in this case.  Please understand that much of it was kept from you.  If you knew what we know you never would have compromised with a guilty verdict for reckless manslaughter after finding Ryan not guilty of "murder" (the states original charge) and not guilty of "intentional manslaughter".  The time will come when each of you will know that you were mistaken.  When that time comes (and it will) we ask that you say a prayer for Ryan and then put the matter behind you and continue with your lives.  We forgive you.

The McCaffery family. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.  The loss of a child is a parent's worst nightmare.  As with the jury, you too were misled. Ryan is not the person responsible for the loss of your child.  He is not the menace to society that the police and prosecutors led you to believe.  He was a fairly average teenager enjoying the best years of his life, preparing to graduate from high school and ready to join the Marines.  Someone took both of our sons away from us and we will not rest until that person is brought to justice.

Our supporters.  Thank you for the support you have given us.  Without that support we might not have made it through this ordeal.  Now, more than ever, Ryan needs your help so he may continue the fight to clear his name. We will continue to do everything within our power to right this terrible wrong and we need you now more than ever.  We ask that any information that you hear that could lead to the arrest of the real killer be passed on to us.  We intend to post a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Rob McCafferys death.  We have lost a battle but the war is not over.

The Connecticut State Police and Windham County Prosecutor's office.  How can you sleep at night?

The people who lied on the stand.  You have allowed a killer to go free and an innocent young man to be convicted.  Shame on you.  But it is not too late. You can still redeem yourself by coming forward and telling the truth.  We pray to God that you have the courage to stand up and help right this wrong.  Contact the Plainfield Police Department, not the state police; they have been hiding the truth for nearly two years.

The killer of Rob McCaffery.  WE WILL FIND YOU.  We will not rest until you are behind bars.  You have destroyed two families and hurt countless others.  Save everyone the time and trouble and turn yourself in now.  You have not gotten away with murder; God knows who you are.  He will punish you for your sins.

The Thompson Family
Plainfield, CT and
Corrigan Correctional Institution