Elizabeth Marriott: ‘We Want Our Privacy to Be Respected’, Parents Of Teen Killed During Violent Sex Do Not Want Daughter’s Sexual History Made Public

The parents of Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott, a New Hampshire University student who was raped and killed in 2012, are fighting to keep information about her sexual history away from the public, the Washington Post is reporting.

The 19-year-old was killed by Seth Mazzaglia, 32, who is currently serving a life sentence. He has appealed his sentencing.

Elizabeth “Lizzi” Marriott of Westboro was murdered in October 2012 at 19yo. @fox25news pic.twitter.com/AEMCe8gMhg

— Crystal Haynes (@crystalhaynes) June 14, 2016

A Massachusetts recently endorsed the release of documents pertaining to Marriott’s “alleged prior consensual sexual activity” before her murder. The documents that were formerly sealed are the basis for Mazzaglia’s appeal. In case Marriott’s parents lose their bid, they would implore journalists not to publish the details in the media.

“My child has been murdered, her ability to speak and provide context has been silenced by a monster that has no regard for human life. We deserve our privacy to be respected,” the victim’s father, Bob Marriott, said at a news conference.

In a directive asking for the records to be unsealed, the Supreme Court justices said a refusal would be a violation of the public’s right to court proceedings and records. The rule just came into effect in January, allowing courts to release documents that were previously made private during court trials.

Advocates for the victim have condemned the court’s decision, arguing that it makes a mockery of the state’s law to protect rape victims and may stop victims from speaking publicly against crimes committed against them. Lyn Schollett, executive director of New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said, “how can we really tell a victim that their right to privacy is protected if they come forward? These are promises we can no longer make.”

Politicians have also taken a contrary stand, with Governor Maggie Hassan calling on the Supreme Court to rescind its decision because of the demoralizing impact it could have on victims and their families. Two senators from New Hampshire also denounced the ruling. Senator Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, said it was imperative that the court take another look at its “misguided order given its disgraceful treatment of victims and their families.” Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen disagreed with the decision of the court, saying that New Hampshire was going in the wrong direction, noting that it was a counter-productive move because it was sabotaging efforts by lawmakers to bolster the protection of sexual assault victims. On the other hand, Attorney General Joe Foster said the unsealing of Marriott’s records “eviscerated” the protections granted to sexual survivors by the legislature and marks a “catastrophic sea change for victims of sexual assault.”

Mazzaglia has always denied raping and killing 19-year-old Marriott, but admitted that he covered up her murder with his girlfriend at the time, Kathryn McDonough.

Seth Mazzaglia appeals conviction in murder of UNH sophomore https://t.co/hVcPMGNSM5 #iNewsPhoto pic.twitter.com/PUBVjnB9jz

— iNews Photo (@FRESLYLLC) January 13, 2016

McDonough testified that she had lured Marriott to Mazzaglia’s apartment for an S & M threesome, but that things had spiraled out of control leading to her murder. McDonough, who is also on trial, will know her fate in July.

A police affidavit confirmed a text message Mazzaglia sent to McDonough indicating he was looking for a bondage encounter. McDonough had suggested Marriott, who worked with her at Target. After Marriott’s death in Mazzaglia’s apartment, the couple had used her 2001 Mazda car to take her body to Peirce Island in Portsmouth and dumped it in the river.

Marriott’s disappearance triggered off a manhunt; it did not take long for police to close in on Mazzaglia and McDonough because Marriott had sent a text message to a friend saying that she was going to “Kat’s place.” Police picked up the murderous couple three days after Marriott vanished. Both denied ever seeing Marriott that night. McDonough said she had gone to a cemetery to capture some ghosts on her camera, while Mazzaglia had said he went for an evening run, hurt his ankle and took forever to return home.

Police did not buy their story.

Mazzaglia soon caved in and confessed that he had tightened a rope around Marriott’s neck during sex and claimed that she had suffered a seizure, but admitted that he and his then girlfriend refused to revive her or look for help. Authorities say Mazzaglia and McDonough were bondage enthusiasts who trolled fetish websites. McDonough used the moniker “Rogue Temptress” while Mazzaglia used “Enigmatic Shadows” and “DarkKaiser,” according to the Daily Mail.

Do you believe the records of Elizabeth Marriott’s sexual history should be released?

[Image via Shutterstock/Joe Techapanupreeda]