SUFFIELD, Conn. – A parole board Thursday rejected a rapist's bid to be released from prison, keeping the former jet-set fugitive behind bars until at least 2008.
Alex Kelly (search), who was charged in 1986 with raping two teenagers while he was a high-school wrestling standout, was visibly angry after the ruling and demanded of the three-member board, "Why did we come here?"
Board members said they were moved by the pleas of Kelly's two victims, Adrienne Bak and Hillary Buchanan, who sat together and fought back tears as they described Kelly's crimes.
"For 19 years, Adrienne and I have been trying to get justice for the brutal rapes this man committed against us," Buchanan said. "He left such an indelible mark on my soul."
Kelly, now 37, was convicted in 1997 and sentenced to 16 years in prison.
"I wish there was some way I could explain how sorry I am for what I have done," Kelly told the board. "I take full responsibility for the things I have done. I have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people and I am sorry for that."
Just before his trial was to begin in 1987, Kelly fled the country. He surrendered in Switzerland (search) in 1995. While in Europe, he spent time skiing, hang gliding (search) and mountain climbing using money authorities say his wealthy parents sent him.
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