Family ‘devastated’ as Clarkson student’s killer gets parole

(WWNY) - The family of a Clarkson University student killed in 1986 is devastated now that the Potsdam-area man convicted in her murder has been granted parole.

Brian McCarthy was sentenced in 1987 to 23 years to life in prison.

He will be released before Feb. 24, 2027, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision told 7 News.

The state website indicates the release could be Dec. 10.

The 1986 case

In August 1986, Katherine “Katy” Hawelka, 19, was raped and beaten on campus. She died days later.

Family responds

For years, the Facebook page “4Katy Hawelka” has posted updates as McCarthy’s parole hearings were continually denied.

In an update Monday night, the family posted: “With heavy hearts, our family is devastated to share that the New York State Parole Board has granted parole to Brian McCarthy, the degenerate who murdered Katy Hawelka on August 29, 1986. His anticipated release is on or about December 10, 2026.

“For 40 years and 10 parole hearings, we have shown up to fight for Katy and trusted that justice would prevail. We never imagined that this release could become a reality. As recently as April 2025, a panel of 3 commissioners found his account of her death not credible and concluded that his rehabilitation was not complete.

“Nothing can bring Katy back, and our precious memories can never be taken away. We are in utter shock… Katy is remembered, she is loved, and she will never be forgotten. Keep the faith, our fight is not over.”

Comments under the post honored Hawelka and expressed how hard the crime hit the Potsdam and college communities.

1987 sentencing

Then-St. Lawrence County Judge Eugene Nicandri handed down the sentence at McCarthy’s 1987 sentencing.

According to court transcripts, Nicandri told McCarthy: “Whatever is imposed will not and cannot make whole the family and friends of Miss Hawelka. That relief is beyond the scope of this life. You will, for however long you do live, have the burden of this incident forever with you.”

In a letter read at the sentencing, McCarthy wrote: “I would give my life for the resurrection of the girl without a second thought.”

7 News asked Nicandri for comment on McCarthy’s upcoming release. Nicandri said everything he had to say he said at the time of the sentencing.