Manderachs' Killer Seeks New Trial
Caleb Fairley is appealing his 1996 conviction in the killing of a Limerick woman and her daughter.
Lisa and Devon Manderach are memorialized here in Limerick Township, at the playground that bears their name.
Saturday, during Limerick Community Day, several new pieces of playground equipment were opened to the public. Groups of children swung and twirled and climbed all over the playground while parents watched.
Manderach Memorial Playground, opened in 1998, commemorates the lives of the mother and daughter who were murdered in Collegeville 17 years ago.
Earlier this week, however, the Manderachs' convicted killer lobbied for a new trial.
Caleb Fairley, then 21, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the 1995 killings, which were committed inside a Collegeville store owned by Fairley's parents.
According to an article in the Pottstown Mercury, Fairley is asking the court to vacate his two life sentences following a Supreme Court decision that called mandatory life sentences for juvenile homicide offenders unconstitutional.
The June 2012 decision says that sentencing juvenile offenders to life without parole violates the Eighth Amendment's provision disallowing cruel and unusual punishment. Juvenile offenders, the Court says in its decision, have "lesser culpability" for criminal behavior.
Fairley argues that, despite the fact that he was 21 at the time of the killings, he should be afforded the same considerations as an offender under the age of 18 because 21-year-olds are still developing adult characteristics.
Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor, Jr., who served as First Assistant District Attorney at the time of the trial, declined to comment on Fairley's efforts but clearly didn't think much of Fairley's chances.
"I no longer speak for the District Attorney's Office. But I will come to court and laugh when he makes the argument," Castor said in an e-mail.
John Q. Public
6:51 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Isn't his father, an Rph, in jail too? I cannot imagine any parent with young kids feeling safe with Caleb Fairley free.
Dynamo47
7:55 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
This animal should have been executed for the crimes he committed; however, I do understand Bruce Castor sparing his life in exchange for the location of the bodies to give the family some sense of peace.
Now he wants to waste more taxpayer money on a farce of trial? I just wish he could be locked in a cell with the most violent inmates and have him beat within an inch of his life only to revive him and repeat the process.
Sharon J. Adams
8:11 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
READ BELOW , HE DID MORE THAN STRANGLE THE VICTIM. WHY WASTE MORE MONEY ON THIS SLIME BALL. MAY HE ROT IN HELL!!!!!
On September 10, 1995, Fairley was working alone at Your Kidz & Mine, a children's clothing store owned by his parents in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Just before closing time Lisa Manderach (born September 30, 1965) and her 19-month-old daughter Devon (born February 4, 1994) entered the store.[1] Fairley locked the doors to the store when he realized that they were the only customers present. He then attempted to sexually assault Manderach. When she attempted to resist him, he became enraged and strangled her to death. He also strangled Manderach's infant daughter. After the murder he sexually assaulted Manderach's corpse, before going to an Electric Hellfire Club concert that he had been planning to attend that night
M
9:49 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sick!!!!
Diane Moore
9:45 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
There is no way this guy should ever see the outside of a jail again!
Bruce Good
9:49 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
He will not rot in hell. In fact, people do not 'rot' in hell. They vividly experience severe physical and emotional torment and suffering for eternity. Several years ago he trusted Christ as Savior, so he'll spend eternity in heaven. However, that does not excuse him from suffering the consequences of his sin prior to his earthly death and entry into eternity. The argument, at least implied, that a person (not insane or otherwise seriously mentally ill) does not know right from wrong regarding murder and sexual assault, is ludicrous.The proper sentence would have been execution, but since it's life in prison, he needs to be there until he dies.
toni dowwney
10:12 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
First article I've ever read here, and I think what this man did was beyond heinous, and I LOVED Bruce Castor's response
john bahn
11:52 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Caleb Farley is a creeping little snake and should remain behind bars the rest of his life. There isn't a Judge out there who would grant this animal a new trial.
Dynamo47
12:08 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I totally agree John but I wish I shared your faith in the justice system. I would not put it out of the question depending on which judge hears his case. I mean if a multiple convicted cop killer in Mumia Abu Jamal can have his death sentence overturned, who knows what OUR justice system is capable of.
Stephen Eickhoff
12:52 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
This is the most absurd and frivolous attempt at a new trial that I have ever heard. His lawyer should be embarrassed at the waste of public resources he is perpetrating.
NC Tramontina
1:30 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I agree with Dynamo47. This slime ball and his attorney will "shop for a sympathetic judge" and then he'll be let loose to roam the same streets as we do. His release will be based upon some minor infraction of "his rights" while the dead have none. Believe me they walk among us more than we know or want to admit. Funny how we don't hear about this kind thing happening in other parts of the world. Maybe its because their justice system is quicker or more straight-forward. I'm not necessarily advocating one system over another but perhaps it's time to ask ourselves when is enough enough and when do we, permanently, rid our society of theses criminals?
Robin at ToxiKAB
7:00 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
Considering the current state of the Montco. Judicial System, the possibility of this murderer getting a new trial is a scary reality! I won't name any specific judge, but I KNOW of at least 1 who is open to the highest bidder!! God help us all if they find her!
.
3:45 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
People need to knock it off making this a political issue. There is no way this sick SOB is getting out of jail. Ever. Comparing this to the Mumia Abu Jamal case is moronic. This guy will get his time in court and be sent right back to the state Pen for the rest of his life.
Teresa
10:52 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012
OH! So he wasn't "crazy" after all! Nice try mom. Knew it all along. Caleb's mother should be in jail as well for allowing this disgusting FAT SLOB to watch the store when SHE KNEW HE WAS DANGEROUS!!!!! ROT IN JAIL LOSER!
Robin at ToxiKAB
6:45 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
If the public knew the incredibly sick & twisted details of these murders, Caleb would pray to be kept in jail where he is somewhat protected! He is a deranged, emotionless, killer. No regard for life & incapable of rehabilitation. His release would soon lead to additional violent rape, mutilation, and murder. The story of that day will haunt me forever!
Dago Girl
2:12 pm on Monday, November 12, 2012
Bruce Good- PAHLEEEEZE!!! Regarding your statement, "Several years ago he trusted Christ as Savior, so he'll spend eternity in heaven." is an insult and revolting. Many, along with I, would perceive his willingness to be "Born Again " was merely a ploy to TRY to show the courts he has repented and shows remorse. PLEASE!!! And, for him to argue "Fairley argues that, despite the fact that he was 21 at the time of the killings, he should be afforded the same considerations as an offender under the age of 18 because 21-year-olds are still developing adult characteristics" is TOTAL BS. He's only trying to save his own hide. My observations of many "Born Again Christians" is that they are often lost, confused, misled, emotionally troubled, social misfits who become easy prey for brainwashers, such as yourself. That poor woman and her defenseless infant whom he strangled is who you should think of, and not defend this piece of trash. I don't blame Castor AT ALL for saying he'd "Come to court and laugh" if Fairley makes that argument.