http://www.wetv.com/women-behind-bars/bios/karen-mullally
Karen Mullally
Charge: two counts of second-degree murder and fourth degree arson
Sentence: 25 years to life in prison
Prison: Bedford Hills Correctional Faclilty, New York
Karen Mullally was born in 1952 and grew up in Syracuse, New York. Although Karen’s father left the family when she was very young, her mother soon remarried, providing a stable childhood during her early years. But the good times came to an end when, at nine years old, according to Karen, she had an unjust altercation with the principal of her school, and was sent to a nearby reform school. After three years Karen staged a suicide attempt so that she would be sent home. After spending six months in an outreach program at a state hospital, she returned home, only to find herself in an abusive situation -– but never told anyone.
The young teen was in and out of psychiatric care until she was 18. Then, as a high school dropout, she married Dennis Mullally whom she had been dating for three years. The marriage was short lived, although they never legally divorced. A few years later, Karen says, she became distraught over a relationship she was having, and attempted suicide by turning on the gas stove. According to court records, the house caught fire. Although considered a suspect for arson, Karen was not prosecuted but spent two weeks in a psychiatric center. She did not continue counseling after her release. Instead, she continued drinking and spending time in bars. Karen now admits that she was a functioning alcoholic.
By 1985 Karen had struck up a friendship with Patty Turo, a single mother who had started dating women. According to Patty’s sister, Patty and Karen were in a romantic relationship, although Karen insists that their friendship was strictly platonic. On November 3, 1985, Patty and Karen were competing in a pool tournament at a local bar. As Karen tells it, between 9:30 and 10 that evening, Patty left Karen at her house with her children and nieces while Patty went out again to bring in some local take-out food.
Karen claims she was very tired and went downstairs to sleep in one of the bedrooms. The children were upstairs. Patty’s two nieces realized the house was on fire and one ran to a neighbor’s for help. The other niece stayed and called for her cousins through the flames but was unable to reach them. Then she ran to get Karen. According to Karen, she sent Patty’s niece out of the house and tried to rescue Patty’s two children but it was too late. There was an explosion and Patty’s two young children died in the fire.
The authorities suspected arson and Karen became their number one suspect as the case made local headlines. Nearly three months after the fire, Karen was arrested. In July, the case went to trial with Karen being found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and fourth degree arson, and was sentenced from 25 years to life in prison. Karen maintains she is innocent.