Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel lost an appeal on Monday, but could be free in three years.
He is serving 20 years for a high-profile Greenwich slaying in 1975 killing, but could be released in 2013 because of more lenient laws in place at the time of the crime.
Skakel, the nephew of Ethel Kennedy, beat and Martha Moxley with a golf club in when they were 15-year-old neighbors.
He was convicted in 2002 and appealed for a new trial. The Connecticut Supreme Court rejected that request on Monday.
Brian Garnett, spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Correction, says Skakel is eligible for parole consideration on April 3, 2013, based on credits for good behavior and other activities such as participating in programs.
John Moxley, Martha’s brother, plans he will oppose Skakel's release.
