Ben LaGuer, Convicted Rapist, Dies Of Terminal Cancer

BOSTON (CBS) – Convicted rapist Ben LaGuer, who was briefly released from prison earlier this year, died at a Massachusetts hospital Wednesday in Department of Correction custody.

In February, the Parole Board granted LaGuer compassionate release due to terminal liver cancer.

Less than one month later, he was back behind bars after violating conditions of his release.

LaGuer died at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital on Wednesday in custody of the Department of Corrections.

He was 20 years old when he was convicted in 1984 of a brutal rape and beating of a woman in Leominster. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years, but Laguer maintained his innocence. He was convicted by an all-white jury and there were a number of questions about the evidence including DNA.

Over the years Laguer had the support of several high-profile people including former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. But, Laguer was denied parole twice and he served more than 35 years in prison.