
Eric Falardeau
This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Lisa Carter, whose husband William Beal, was killed nine years ago in a bar altercation. The man accused of beating him to death, 29-year-old Eric Falardeau, had charges against him dropped after a judge determined he was not able to stand trial due to a low IQ. The Department of Mental Retardation won’t hold him either, saying he doesn’t fit their qualifications. Today he’s free.
Carter says there’s a hole in the system that needs to be fixed.
BACK STORY:
- Experts say Falardeau could have stood trial with help
- Murder victim’s family says low IQ no excuse for no jail time
Noah R. Bombard is the new media editor for The Eagle-Tribune in North Andover. He is a former award-winning newspaper and magazine editor who has been covering news in Massachusetts since 1997.