Above is Katherine 'Katy" Hawelka , a Clarkson student who was killed in 1986. Now, her killer Brian McCarthy is set to be released from prison 40 years after being convicted of of rape, assault and murder.

4Katy Hawelka Facebook Page (Courtesy)

POTSDAM -- Convicted killer Brian McCarthy is expected to be released from prison after being granted parole.

McCarthy was convicted with second-degree murder, rape and assault for the killing of Clarkson student Katherine “Katy” Hawelka 1986. Although she served the initial incident she died days after due to her injuries.

McCarthy has spent nearly 40 years behind bars, but was recently granted parole despite efforts to see his parole denied.

He is expected to be freed in the coming months, according to officials from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

In August, efforts from the community urged people to write to the parole board to share concerns about his potential release, however a recent post from the “4KatyHawelka” Facebook page, which provides updates on McCarthy's status and hearings issued the following statement.

"With heavy hearts, our family is devastated to share that the New York State Parole Board has granted parole to Brian McCarthy, the degenerate who murdered Katy Hawelka on August 29, 1986. His anticipated release is on or about December 10, 2026. 

"For 40 years and 10 parole hearings, we have shown up to fight for Katy and trusted that justice would prevail. We never imagined that this release could become a reality. As recently as April 2025, a panel of 3 commissioners found his account of her death not credible and concluded that his rehabilitation was not complete. 

"Nothing can bring Katy back, and our precious memories can never be taken away. We are in utter shock... Katy is remembered, she is loved, and she will never be forgotten. Keep the faith, our fight is not over."