Robert O. Marshall, American businessman (b. 1939)

Robert Oakley Marshall, born on December 16, 1939, became a figure etched into the annals of American true crime, not for entrepreneurial success, but for a dark chapter that unfolded in 1984. This American businessman was charged with, and subsequently convicted of, orchestrating the contract killing of his wife, Maria Marshall, an act that sent shockwaves through their community and beyond. The very notion of a contract killing—where one hires another to commit murder—carries a chilling weight, stripping away the direct brutality while intensifying the calculated malice.

The Case That Defined Him: A Public Spectacle

The sensational nature of the Marshall case inevitably drew the keen eye of acclaimed true crime author Joe McGinniss. McGinniss, known for his incisive and often controversial deep dives into real-life crimes, meticulously researched and documented the events surrounding Maria Marshall's murder and Robert's conviction. His efforts culminated in the bestselling book, Blind Faith, published in 1989. The book not only chronicled the grim details but also delved into the psychological complexities and societal undercurrents of the case, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the true crime genre.

Such was the book's impact and the public's fascination that it was swiftly adapted into an Emmy-nominated television miniseries in 1990, also titled Blind Faith. Starring the notable talents of Robert Urich as Robert Marshall and Joanna Kerns as Maria, the miniseries brought the harrowing story to an even wider audience, solidifying its place in popular culture and keeping the details of the Marshall trial alive in public memory.

Challenging the Narrative: Marshall's Own Account

Years later, from within the confines of the prison system, Robert Oakley Marshall sought to reclaim his narrative. In 2002, he penned his own book, Tunnel Vision: Trial & Error. This was not merely a memoir, but a direct challenge to the conclusions drawn by McGinniss in Blind Faith and, more broadly, to the justice system that had condemned him. Marshall meticulously pointed out what he perceived as critical flaws in the judicial process that he believed failed him at every turn. Furthermore, he levied serious allegations of police misconduct during the investigation and argued that the testimony and evidence presented against him were compromised, painting a picture of a system corrupted and misdirected.

Legal Labyrinth and Final Years

Marshall's legal journey was as complex as the case itself. Originally, he faced the most severe penalty, a death sentence. However, the legal landscape surrounding capital punishment is often subject to evolving standards and appeals. In 2006, his sentence was commuted, and Marshall was resentenced to life in prison. This new ruling offered a glimmer of possibility, making him eligible for parole in 2014. As March 2015 approached, a parole hearing was pending, representing a potential turning point in his long incarceration.

Fate, however, intervened before that hearing could take place. Robert Oakley Marshall passed away on February 21, 2015, at the age of 75, while incarcerated at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey. His death marked the final chapter in a life defined by a shocking crime, a celebrated true crime book, his own defiant counter-narrative, and a prolonged struggle within the American judicial system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Oakley Marshall

Who was Robert Oakley Marshall?

Robert Oakley Marshall was an American businessman who gained notoriety for his conviction in the 1984 contract killing of his wife, Maria Marshall.

What was he convicted of?

He was convicted of orchestrating the contract killing of his wife, Maria Marshall, in 1984.

What is Blind Faith and how is it related to Robert Marshall?

Blind Faith is a bestselling true crime book by Joe McGinniss, published in 1989, which details the Robert Marshall case. It was later adapted into an Emmy-nominated TV miniseries.

What was Tunnel Vision: Trial & Error about?

Tunnel Vision: Trial & Error is a book written by Robert Oakley Marshall himself in 2002. In it, he challenged the conclusions of Blind Faith and alleged flaws in his judicial process, including police misconduct and compromised evidence.

When and where did Robert Oakley Marshall die?

He died on February 21, 2015, at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, New Jersey, at the age of 75.