Freach and Keen Murders

In November 1973, William J. Wright, a former patient and trustee of the Farview State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, brutally murdered two teenage boys, Edmund Keen and Paul Freach, in Lackawanna County, a region that took great pride in not only its history, but its reputation as a friendly, family-oriented, safe place to live. It was a place where families could leave their doors unlocked, and be confident about allowing their children to play and explore outdoors. Yet all that would change in an instant. The brutal murders of these two boys forever altered the way people thought of this region and the safe neighborhoods they had come to take for granted.

Kathleen P. Munley and Paul R. Mazzoni tell a story of unbelief, anger, and fear, but also courage and fortitude. They delve deep into the Commonwealth v. William J. Wright trial, looking inside the investigation, the trial, and how the public was impacted by this unthinkable crime.

In captivating detail, the authors weave together the events of this devastating crime and remind us that, even in the pleasant light of day, evil can and does exist, and one must always be on guard.

Kathleen P. Munley, PhD, is a local historian and longtime professor of history at Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania, where she teaches a variety of courses on American history and served on many elected and appointed academic committees. She developed and directed a legal studies program at the university that included an American Bar Association–approved legal assistant major. A lifelong resident of the region, Munley has been associated with many local community organizations and volunteer activities.

Paul R. Mazzoni, JD, has been a practicing attorney in Lackawanna County for over fifty-two years and served the county as its district attorney for two terms, from 1970 to 1978. As district attorney, Mazzoni was the chief prosecutor in the Commonwealth v. William J. Wright. Mazzoni continues to practice law with the firm Mazzoni, Karam, Petorak, and Valvano in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mazzoni is a longstanding member and former president of the Lackawanna Bar Association and a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Active in community life in the region, Mazzoni was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to serve as director of the Census for the Tenth Congressional District.