On August 31, 1976, 20-year-old New Milford resident Kim Montelaro was forcibly abducted, sexually assaulted, and brutally murdered by Christopher Righetti, Prisoner #59431 (SBI #000149274C). The violence and depravity of this crime resulted in a Life sentence. Today, nearly fifty years later, Righetti is once again seeking parole.

The facts of this case remain unchanged. Kim Montelaro was taken against her will, sexually assaulted, repeatedly stabbed in the neck and chest, and left to die alone. The severity of her suffering and the irreversible loss inflicted upon her family and community continue to warrant the sentence imposed by the court.

Righetti's crime was not an isolated act. Before murdering Kim Montelaro, he had already established a pattern of violent sexual behavior. At age 14, he raped a 21-year-old woman at knifepoint. Following his release from juvenile detention, he attempted to assault another young woman before ultimately abducting, raping, and murdering Kim. These offenses demonstrate a clear escalation of violence and a repeated willingness to prey upon strangers.

The most important consideration before the New Jersey State Parole Board is public safety. Righetti's history reflects multiple victims, multiple violent sexual offenses, and an escalating pattern that culminated in murder. Modern research consistently identifies prior sexual offending, multiple victims, and a persistent history of violence as among the most significant indicators of future risk.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics has found that offenders released after serving time for rape or sexual assault are more than three times as likely as other released prisoners to be arrested for another rape or sexual assault after release. Public safety demands special caution when evaluating offenders with extensive histories of violent sexual crime.

Equally troubling is the fact that Righetti has never demonstrated genuine remorse or accepted full responsibility for the devastation he caused. After nearly five decades of incarceration, there is still no evidence that the risks that led to Kim Montelaro's murder have been eliminated.

Kim Montelaro was denied the opportunity to live the rest of her life because of Christopher Righetti's actions. We respectfully urge the New Jersey State Parole Board to place the safety of the public and the interests of justice above all other considerations and deny Christopher Righetti's request for parole.

We, the undersigned, urge the New Jersey State Parole Board to deny parole to Christopher Righetti and require him to continue serving the Life sentence imposed for the rape and murder of Kim Montelaro.