NATICK — The state Parole Board has for the fifth time denied release for James Riva, of Marshfield, dubbed the “Vampire Killer,” after he stabbed and shot his grandmother in 1980 and tried to suck blood out of her bullet wounds.
In its decision, the board said it “remains concerned that, within the last five years, (Riva) became symptomatic with extreme paranoia similar to his delusions that occurred prior to the homicide. The Board also verbalized concerns that he may continue to harbor animosity toward those who (he believes) have wronged him.”
In 1980, then 23-year-old Riva stabbed his disabled grandmother, Carmen Lopez, in the heart and shot her four times with gold-painted bullets in her Rexhame Beach home, which he then set on fire. He believed he was a 700-year-old vampire, he later told police, adding that he needed to drink his grandmother’s blood. The devil had made him do it, he told police. The sensational crime rocked Marshfield at the time.
Riva, now 67, is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder and arson.
‘Vampire killer,’ schizophrenic with delusions, also stabbed a prison guard
He was convicted in a jury trial in 1981. Riva was later found not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing and almost killing a prison guard in 1990, at a time when he said he had stopped taking his medication for schizophrenia. He said he believed the officer was sneaking into his cell at night and draining his spinal fluid.
Several family members testified that they are afraid of Riva and do not want him to be released.
The board went on to write in its decision, “Mr. Riva continues to perseverate on his perceived injustices and affronts as endorsed by his continued court filings. The content of such filings raises concern that he has not resolved his anger and resentments.”
In a statement, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said “I can only describe his actions as brutal, senseless and inhumane. Our streets and communities are safer today with Riva remaining in prison.”
Riva will have another parole review hearing in October of 2027.
Lets keep this creep in prison
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