Pear River, NY – Robert McCain, one of two men convicted in the 1980 murder of 16-year-old Pearl River resident Paula Bohovesky, is returning to state prison after authorities determined that he repeatedly violated the conditions of his parole.
McCain, 65, served approximately 40 years in prison for Bohovesky’s murder before the New York State Parole Board granted him parole in 2021. Since his release, McCain has been involved in several incidents that resulted in arrests, convictions and parole violations. His parole has now been revoked, and he is expected to spend an additional 10 months behind bars, according to News 12. His current release date is listed as May 1.
The case dates to Oct. 28, 1980, when Bohovesky, a Pearl River High School student, was walking home after working at the Pearl River Public Library. McCain and Richard LaBarbera were later convicted of second-degree murder in connection with her death.
According to court records and previous accounts of the case, Bohovesky was attacked while walking through Pearl River, struck in the head with a piece of pavement, sexually assaulted and stabbed. McCain and LaBarbera were convicted in 1981 and each received sentences of 25 years to life in prison.
McCain became eligible for parole after serving the minimum portion of his sentence but was denied release multiple times. He was ultimately granted parole in 2021 after approximately four decades in prison. The decision drew opposition from Bohovesky’s family, supporters and several Rockland County elected officials. The Parole Board cited factors including McCain’s institutional record, educational accomplishments and assessment of his risk of reoffending when granting his release.
McCain’s legal problems following his release intensified in 2025.
In July 2025, he was arrested following an incident involving a woman at a dog park in Cortlandt. McCain was charged with forcible touching and later pleaded guilty. He received a four-month jail sentence.
Several months later, McCain was arrested again following an incident in Peekskill. Peekskill City Court records show that he pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment and petit larceny. He was sentenced in March 2026 to six months in jail. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also imposed a six-month sentence for violating parole.
News 12 reported Wednesday that state officials now consider McCain to have violated parole three times since his 2021 release. Following the latest parole action, McCain will serve another 10 months in custody.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, who has long opposed McCain’s release, again criticized the possibility that McCain could eventually return to the community. Day said McCain “should never be released” and described him as “a clear and present danger to our community, and public safety.”
The Bohovesky case has remained prominent in Rockland County for more than four decades, particularly during parole proceedings involving McCain and LaBarbera. Family members, community advocates and elected officials have repeatedly opposed their release.
LaBarbera was initially released on parole in 2019 but was returned to custody shortly afterward for violating parole conditions. He was released again in 2020.
McCain’s latest return to prison adds another chapter to a case that has continued to generate debate in Rockland County over parole, public safety and how the state evaluates people convicted of serious violent crimes.
