GOSHEN – The family of Megan McDonald is alleging that it has been the victim of social media threats during the retrial of Edward Holley in Orange County Court.
The jury began its second full week of deliberations in the highly publicized case on Monday and is struggling with a verdict. Holley stands accused of killing McDonald in the Town of Wallkill more than two decades ago.
“With each passing day, the accusations, threats, and attacks directed at people connected to this trial continue to grow louder and more disturbing,” the family wrote on the Justice for Megan McDonald Facebook page. “The behavior we are witnessing across social media and in the press is not only deeply hurtful — it is dangerous. No one should be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or threats simply because they are connected to the legal process.”
The family did not indicate in the post who had allegedly threatened them or when. The McDonald’s attorney, John Beatty, did not comment on the matter. McDonald’s sister, Karen Whalen, and her husband, James, have been a constant presence in the courtroom for both trials, often accompanied by other family and friends.
Karen Whalen has advocated for justice for her sister since she was killed in 2003. The family of McDonald had previously planned on not making any public statements until after the retrial.
“We believe in the justice system,” the statement added. “We trust the process and the people tasked with carrying it out. Like everyone else, we are waiting for the jury to reach its verdict, and we are hopeful that it will come swiftly. Until that time, we are demanding basic human decency. Stop the attacks. Stop spreading misinformation. Stop the threats. This kind of behavior helps no one and only adds more pain to an already difficult situation.”
Deliberations in the trial continue on Tuesday.
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