Killer ex-Penn prof to leave prison Sunday; victim's family has plans, too
The former University of Pennsylvania professor who bludgeoned his wife to death three days before Christmas in 2006 is set to be released from jail Sunday. His wife's family plans to mark the event by advocating for victims of domestic violence by gathering Monday in front of the Upper Merion house where Rafael Robb killed Ellen Gregory Robb.
The former University of Pennsylvania professor who bludgeoned his wife to death three days before Christmas in 2006 is set to be released from jail Sunday. His wife's family plans to mark the event by advocating for victims of domestic violence by gathering Monday in front of the Upper Merion house where Rafael Robb killed Ellen Gregory Robb.
Robb, 66, has completed his 10-year sentence in state prison and now must serve 10 years on probation. His victim's family repeatedly fought his attempts at early parole.
"He's getting free after what was a ridiculously modest" sentence, said Gary Gregory, Ellen's brother.
At a recent hearing, Robb, asking for access to some of his money, indicated he planned to live in Pittsburgh. Otherwise, he said, he could live in a shelter or in the home where he killed his wife, which he jointly owns with her estate. His attorney later withdrew the petition.
Ellen Gregory Robb had planned to divorce her husband. She was wrapping Christmas presents at home when Robb beat her to death.
The economics professor and game theory scholar pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced in 2008 to five to 10 years in state prison.
In a separate civil action, he was ordered to pay $124 million to their daughter, Olivia, who was 12 when her mother was killed. Robb claimed to have about $3 million.
The gathering Monday of family and supporters outside the Robb home on Forest Road in Upper Merion is slated for 11 a.m. Gregory and former State Rep. Michael Vereb are set to speak.
Gregory runs a foundation, Every Great Reason, that advocates for victims of domestic violence. Vereb, a Republican from Montgomery County, was the primary sponsor of a law that gave family members of victims the right to address the state parole board.
"We really can't change anything this week; he's out," Gregory said Saturday. "But what we can continue to do is focus on our fight and turning our tragedy into a triumph for others."
Robb said at the hearing that he preferred not to return to the couple's home. Gregory said the family hopes Robb settles in Pittsburgh, as he suggested.
"Even though he owns half the house, our hope is that he doesn't return to the area because it adds insult to the entire family . . . and he goes out west and stays free and clear of the entire community," Gregory said.
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