Robert "Rob" Purcell was the father of one of eight people who were murdered in a killing spree by escaped convict Leon Vorgitch.
History[]
Distraught that the District Attorney's office failed to seek the recently-abolished death penalty against Vorgitch, Robert, at the behest of defense attorney Dena Carter, who supplied Robert with Leon's whereabouts, shot Vorgitch to death outside the courthouse. Carter had intended to defend Robert at his trial, aiming to get him acquitted and use the success to improve her political campaign for the State Senate. While Robert expressed remorse for committing murder, he did not regret Leon's death.
Despite Dena's efforts, her plan failed as Robert was convicted of second-degree murder. Robert was then convinced by EADA McCoy to expose Carter for her involvement in Leon's death in exchange for a lighter sentence. His charge was reduced to manslaughter, his sentence to 3-10 years in prison, and Carter was indicted. (L&O: "Deadlock")