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 shocking events at the bowling alley brought attention to the contentious issue of capital punishment in Massachusetts. A subsequent vote in 1982 allowed the people to weigh in on the matter, which was then formally endorsed by the outgoing governor, Edward J.