The bowling alley murders brought new attention to the question of capital punishment in Massachusetts. In 1982, a ballot referendum legalizing the death penalty in Massachusetts passed and was signed into law by the outgoing governor, Edward J.
The tragic events at the bowling alley highlighted the need for renewed discussion on the topic of capital punishment in Massachusetts. A year later, in 1982, a statewide vote legalized the death penalty, which was then ratified by the outgoing governor, Edward J.