The possible parole of a convicted rapist has brought back the fear and anguish experienced by family members of his victims nearly 30 years ago. However, through petitions and a scheduled meeting with a Mississippi Parole Board representative this week, they hope to prevent it from happening.

    Larry Fisher, who, in 1983, was convicted of the rape, kidnapping and robbery of Pat Rivers of Meridian, comes up for parole on Jan. 18. Fisher was also a suspect in the unsolved murders of Melinda Weathers and Carol Formby, both 18.

    “This was something that happened that changed Lauderdale County and the citizens,” said Billie Weathers Stephenson, younger sister of Melinda.

    “For the most part, this was a fairly quiet place. When this happened, so many individuals and families were involved. Several women came forward who had been raped by him (Fisher), who had been stopped by him. It impacted so many people,” Stephenson said.

    Fisher was dubbed “the blue light rapist” for flashing blue lights similar to those used by law enforcement while driving an unmarked car to stop female drivers. Attacks and rapes were reported. Teenagers Weathers and Formby had disappeared, and their bodies were found within a couple of miles of each other. A decoy “sting” operation organized by the Meridian Police Department and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department led to his arrest.

    Fisher was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the rape, kidnap and robbery of Rivers. Although evidence was present on Weather’s body and in Fisher’s truck to produce a conviction, his conviction of capital murder was overturned on a technicality.

    Family members are scheduled to meet with state board member Betty Lou Jones of Meridian on Monday to oppose Fisher’s parole.

    “In years past, each of the meetings have been held in Jackson, but for the first time they are allowing us to meet here (in Lauderdale County) – we think it’s because she’s from here,” Stephenson said. “We are excited about this because we feel this will allow us to have more support.”

    In addition to a petition currently circulating, the families are asking others who oppose Fisher’s parole to meet on the steps of the Lauderdale County Courthouse on that day at 1:30 p.m. A petition will be available for those present to sign.

    “Although the hearing is closed – only victims, their families and law officials involved can attend – the community can show their support by signing this petition showing that were present at the courthouse on that day,” Stephenson said. “We’re going to hand that to Betty Lou.”

    If parole is granted to Fisher, he would return to Lauderdale County.

    “We do not want him living in our community,” Stephenson said. “He is a repeat offender whose crimes progressively worsened.”

    In 1971, Fisher was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and prowling in Jacksonville, Fla., and then again that year for breaking and entering with the intent to harm, and violation of probation. In 1977, he was convicted in Georgia for rape, kidnapping and forcible robbery. Paroled for good behavior after serving 5 1/2 of his 3- 15-year-sentences to be served concurrently, he moved to Meridian to live with his mother and stepfather. In less than a year, he was charged with the rape, kidnapping and robbery of Rivers.

    Fisher will complete his current 30-year sentence in 2013. Stephenson said it is unknown if he will be released at that time.

    “At the time that he was sentenced, you couldn’t just say ‘life’ and you died in prison; you had to equate that with a timeframe based on certain factors. His time equated was 30 years,” she said. “Laws have changed and there are new laws in place that say ‘life is life.’ The big question that no one has been able to give us a confirmed answer is whether those new law override his ‘life’ conviction.”

    Stephenson said the Formby, Rivers and Weathers families are not seeking vengeance.

    “We have been hurt, there is pain – but there is nothing that can undo what is done. We have all come to a place where we are at peace and know who’s in charge; we trust our God,” she said. “But at the same time, we feel that God has given us a responsibility to battle this so that it doesn’t happen to somebody else … No one should have to experience the loss of someone by the hands of another human who sexually and personally violates them, and with his bare hands strangles them until all breath and life is gone.”

Want to help?

    The families of Pat Rivers, Melinda Weathers and Carol Formby are asking others who oppose the Jan. 18 parole of convicted rapist Larry Fisher to meet on the steps of the Lauderdale County Courthouse Monday at 1:30 p.m. A petition will be available for those present to sign.

     Those unable to attend may e-mail a letter of opposition to melindagailweathers@gmail.com Letters must include the following: Larry Fisher MDOC#41417  DOB:11/11/52