Basic Information
| Full Name | Mary Jean Pearle |
|---|---|
| Profession | Antiques dealer |
| Residence | Highland Park, Dallas |
| Spouse | John David Battaglia |
| Marriage Year | 1991 |
| Divorce Year | 2000 |
| Tragic Event | Daughters Mary Faith and Liberty Mae Battaglia murdered in 2001 |
| Surviving Child | Christie Battaglia |
| Execution Date Of Spouse | February 1, 2018 |
| Advocacy Focus | Domestic violence awareness |
Early Life and Background
Mary Jean Pearle married CPA John David Battaglia in 1991 and divorced him in 2000 after enduring repeated physical assaults. She worked as an antiques dealer in Highland Park, Dallas, and hailed from a financially secure family.
The 2001 Murders of Faith and Liberty
On May 2, 2001, John Battaglia fatally shot his daughters Mary Faith (age 9) and Liberty Mae (age 6) during a supervised visit at his Deep Ellum apartment. Pearle listened on speakerphone as Faith pleaded, “No, Daddy, please don’t, don’t do it.”
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Battaglia convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. |
| 2002–2016 | Appeals and competency hearings delayed execution; Pearle delivered victim impact statements. |
| Feb 1 2018 | Texas executed Battaglia by lethal injection in Huntsville; Pearle observed through glass. |
Family Members Overview
| Person | Relationship | Role / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Jean Pearle | Self | Survivor of domestic abuse; antiques dealer |
| John David Battaglia | Ex‑Husband | CPA; convicted murderer |
| Christie Battaglia | Daughter from prior marriage | Survivor; publicly supported execution |
| Mary Faith Battaglia | Daughter (deceased, age 9) | Straight‑A student, violinist, karate blue belt |
| Liberty Mae Battaglia | Daughter (deceased, age 6) | Beloved youngest child |
Recent Legacy and Advocacy
In October 2022, a Dallas emergency shelter for domestic‑violence victims opened in Faith and Liberty’s honor, reflecting Pearle’s indirect advocacy through remembrance. Pearle has otherwise maintained a private life since the 2018 execution.
FAQ
Who is Mary Jean Pearle?
Mary Jean Pearle is a former antiques dealer from Dallas who survived an abusive marriage and witnessed her ex‑husband’s crime against their children.
What happened on May 2, 2001?
On that date, John Battaglia murdered his two daughters during a scheduled visit, with Pearle listening helplessly by phone.
How long did the legal process last?
Battaglia’s appeals and competency hearings delayed his 2002 death sentence until his execution on February 1, 2018.
Who survived the tragedy?
Christie Battaglia, Mary Jean’s daughter from a prior marriage, survived and publicly supported Battaglia’s execution.
What memorializes Faith and Liberty today?
A Dallas emergency shelter for domestic‑violence victims opened in October 2022 in their names.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Old-case-makes-it-hard-to-embrace-new-momentum-7224743.php | Houston Chronicle column discussing the long‑term impact of the Battaglia case on domestic violence awareness and public sentiment |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Battaglia | John Battaglia, Mary Jean Pearle’s ex‑husband, was convicted of capital murder for killing their daughters in 2001 and executed in 2018 |
| https://www.texastribune.org/2018/02/01/dallas-man-who-killed-his-daughters-set-again-execution/ | Texas Tribune recounts the details of the murders and the final pleas of Faith and Liberty heard by Pearle on speakerphone |
| https://www.pomc.org/murder-wall/mary-faith-battaglia-faith-9-years-old/ | Profile of Mary Faith Battaglia highlights her achievements and the circumstances of her death at age 9 |
| https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-battaglia-executed-for-killing-daughters-while-mom-listened-on-phone/ | CBS News covers Battaglia’s execution and his taunting remarks to Pearle during his final moments |
| https://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123594&page=1 | ABC News details Battaglia’s motive of revenge against Pearle, leading to the murder of their daughters |
| https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/human-interest/2022/10/17/the-family-place-opens-emergency-shelter-for-domestic-violence-victims- | Spectrum Local News reports on a Dallas shelter named in honor of Faith and Liberty to support domestic violence survivors |
