Child Molester’s Warning He’ll Kill Delays His Release in Texas

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — The release of a child molester who warned he is “doomed” to strike again--and this time, kill--was delayed Tuesday as authorities considered whether the threat is enough to keep him behind bars.

Larry Don McQuay, 32, was about two hours away from being released to a halfway house when Victor Rodriguez, chairman of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, stepped in.

McQuay, who earned an early release for good behavior, “allegedly has made comments that can be considered threatening to individuals and the public at large,” said David Nunnelee, a Criminal Justice Department spokesman. “If he has . . . they can penalize him for that.” He could be stripped of the “good time” credits he earned.

Rodriguez said that he would interview McQuay and that a review of the case probably would take a couple of days.

McQuay has served six years of an eight-year sentence for molesting a 6-year-old boy in San Antonio. He claims to have molested more than 200 youngsters.

While in prison, McQuay exchanged letters, sometimes signed “child molesting demon,” with a victims’ rights group. He warned he would do even more harm to children if he were released.

“I am doomed to eventually rape then murder my poor little victims to keep them from telling on me,” he said in a message to Justice for All, based in Houston.

McQuay sent the organization at least six such notes, and parole officials requested copies Tuesday, said Dianne Clements, president of the group. She described the letters as “perverse and sick stuff.”

“I think it’s very wise for prison officials and the parole board to look at his eligibility,” Clements said. “Of course, it’s only temporary. But at least children are safe for at least 24 hours.”

While in prison, McQuay campaigned unsuccessfully to be castrated. State officials denied the request because it was considered elective surgery. A move by the Legislature to allow such operations failed last year.

A 1995 state law requires that local law enforcement authorities be notified if a convicted child molester is moving into the community. But McQuay would not be subject to it because he was convicted before the law was enacted.