Trying To Lift The Death Penalty Sentence

Biela’s lawyers attempted to overturn the death penalty sentencing, claiming that his actions were largely caused by his violent childhood. Apparently, Biela grew up in a highly abusive family where his dad would beat his mother daily, which the children were witness to. He and his siblings could only stand by as his alcoholic father beat his mom horribly practically every single day.

Was The Abuse To Blame?

Biela, who grew up in Chicago with his brother and two sisters, were privy to their mom’s abuse, but felt like they couldn’t do anything about it. It was said that, “Verbal and psychological abuse was pervasive in the house.” Supposedly, Kathy Lovell, Biela’s mom, “bore the brunt of the physical abuse, suffering broken teeth and ribs, and undergoing wrist surgery due to injuries from being bound so many times. She also said earrings were ripped from her ears and her hair was pulled out.”