Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel denied parole in teenage neighbor's killing Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel was denied a bid for freedom Wednesday at his first parole hearing since he was convicted a decade ago of killing his neighbor in 1975. Skakel, who proclaimed his innocence at the hearing, nodded and patted his attorney on the back after the three-person parole board read the unanimous decision. He will next be eligible for parole in 2017. Skakel is serving 20 years to life for fatally beating Martha Moxley with a golf club in Greenwich when they were 15. Skakel spoke slowly and softly at the hearing at McDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, saying: "I did not commit this crime." In attendance was Dorthy Moxley, the victim's mother, who said losing a child is the worst thing in the world and Skakel should serve at least 20 years in prison. "Martha, my baby, will never have a life," she said, her voice breaking. Skakel told the parole board he prays every day that whoever committed the crime is brought to justice and that he is the wrong man. The heavyset, 52-year-old Skakel with gray, thinning hair wore a tan prison jumpsuit to the hearing. "I pose to you: How can a guilty man stay sober for 30 years with that kind of guilt on his mind?" he said. Skakel also talked about his mother's death at an early age, his learning disability and a childhood in which he attended numerous schools. He said his ex-wife was recently diagnosed with cancer, and he is concerned about his 13-year-old son. I'm at your mercy. The only power I have is prayer," he said. The chair of the parole board, Erika Tindill, showed some skepticism as she pressed Skakel with questions. She said it was an odd situation for him to ask for early release while proclaiming innocence of the crime. Many letters cite Skakel's artwork in prison, saying he has made uplifting paintings that show his true nature, give joy to others and encourage family values.