John F. Boyle Jr.

John F. Boyle Jr., a former doctor from Mansfield, Ohio, was convicted for the murder of his wife Noreen in 1989. His case became highly publicized due to the nature of the crime, where he suffocated his wife and then entombed her body inside a home he owned in Erie, Pennsylvania. Despite the gruesome nature of his crime, Boyle's children have expressed support for his parole. However, Noreen Boyle's family has argued against it.

The crime

Dr. John Boyle was convicted in a highly publicized trial for the murder of his wife, Noreen, on December 31, 1989. Their son, Collier, and daughter, Elizabeth, provided key insights; Collier recounted a scream and thump he heard, while Elizabeth, only three, described seeing her father hit her mother. Noreen's body was found under the basement of a new home in Erie, Pennsylvania, in January 1990, following a lead from the children's accounts.

Investigation and arrest

The investigation into Noreen Boyle's disappearance began when her friends alerted police, leading to the discovery of her body under the basement of John Boyle's new Erie home in January 1990. Key testimony came from their children, especially son Collier. Boyle was arrested, and during the trial, evidence such as the rental of a jackhammer used to bury Noreen's body was crucial. Boyle's conviction followed, highlighting a meticulously planned crime that shocked the community.

Conviction and incarceration

Dr. John F. Boyle Jr. is currently incarcerated at the Marion Correctional Institution in Marion, Ohio.

Appeal

June 2, 1994, Dr. John F. Boyle Jr., serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife, Noreen, appealed for habeas corpus relief, citing insufficient evidence, denial of corpse examination by defense experts, prosecutorial misconduct, and ineffective assistance of counsel. The court affirmed the district court's denial of the writ, finding the evidence sufficient and the claims of trial and prosecutorial errors unfounded, thereby upholding Boyle's conviction.

Parole hearings

December 6, 2010: The Parole Board denied parole for Boyle's first hearing stating, "Release at this time would not further the interest of justice and would demean the seriousness of the brutal crime."

December 2, 2020: The Parole Board denied parole for Boyle's second hearing stating, "There is substantial reason to believe that due to the serious nature of the crime, the release of the inmate into society would create undue risk to the public safety, or that due to the serious nature of the crime, the release of the inmate would not further the interest of justice or be consistent with the welfare and security of society."

October 1, 2025: Parole Board hearing scheduled.

Impact on community and media coverage

The John Boyle trial captivated Mansfield, Ohio, becoming a significant part of local history. It drew extensive media coverage, akin to a soap opera, with the community closely following each development. This attention reflected the trial's impact on the collective consciousness and discussions within Mansfield, underscoring the profound effect of high-profile legal cases on small communities.

"A Murder in Mansfield"

"A Murder in Mansfield" is a documentary that centers on Collier Landry, who grapples with the aftermath of his mother Noreen Boyle's murder by his father, Dr. John Boyle. The film chronicles Landry's journey of confronting his past, his testimony against his father, and his quest for healing and understanding. Through Landry's personal story, the documentary addresses broader themes of justice, the impact of crime on families, and the path to forgiveness.

"Moving Past Murder"

"Moving Past Murder" is a podcast created by Collier Landry that delves into his experiences following the murder of his mother, Noreen Boyle, by his father, Dr. John Boyle, in 1989. The podcast serves as both a personal therapeutic journey for Landry and a support platform for listeners navigating similar traumas, emphasizing resilience and the process of healing from profound betrayal.