Moxley family, Skakel supporters testify at sentencing hearing

NORWALK, Conn. -- Martha Moxley's mother testified Wednesday that she is haunted by the knowledge her daughter died in fear and pain, and urged a judge to sentence Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel to life in prison for the teenager's murder.

At Skakel's sentencing hearing, Dorthy Moxley said she had long prayed her daughter did not see the first blow from the golf club used to beat her to death the night of Oct. 30, 1975, and died quickly.

"I know now that isn't the way that it happened," Moxley said. "I know now that she must have been very frightened and suffered a great deal.

"Michael Skakel sentenced us to life without Martha," Moxley said. "I think it's only fair that he serve a similar sentence."

Skakel, 41, a nephew of Ethel Kennedy, was convicted in June of beating Martha to death when they were 15-year-old neighbors in Greenwich. Under the guidelines in effect in 1975, which the court will use in his case, Skakel could receive a minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a maximum of 25 years to life.

Rejected new trial

Dorthy Moxley spoke after Judge John F. Kavanewsky Jr. rejected defense motions to throw out the jury verdict and order a new trial. Kavanewsky said he will hear more testimony Thursday before imposing a sentence.

Skakel will likely speak during the hearing Thursday, his attorney Michael Sherman said. Sherman said three other Skakel supporters planned to speak as well.

Skakel listened to the Moxley family without visible emotion, but wept as his supporters pleaded with the judge to be lenient. Skakel was visibly thinner and paler than during the trial.

Carol Beck, a neighbor in Windham, N.Y., said Skakel was kind and a "wonderful father" to his 3-year-old son, George.

Skakel's attorneys are trying to get Skakel released on bail pending his appeal.