Waltham, MA – The Massachusetts Parole Board is once again releasing a convicted murderer back onto our streets—an individual charged at 20 years old with first-degree murder of a rival gang member in broad daylight.
Gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy expressed outrage over the decision, warning that the current structure of the Parole Board is failing to prioritize public safety and victims.
“The board is stacked by design to produce this outcome—resulting in a steady parade of violent criminals being set free,” said Kennealy. “Parole board members and judges should not be appointed based on shared ideology.
The composition of the Parole Board is entirely determined by the Governor. Under Governor Healey, the board reflects a clear ‘let them all go’ mentality—one that puts ideology ahead of public safety. That must change.
The Massachusetts Parole Board is structurally imbalanced. It is heavily populated with individuals from social services, behavioral health, and reentry backgrounds – perspectives that, while important, overwhelmingly favor release. Meanwhile, prosecutors, law enforcement professionals, and victim advocates – the voices that prioritize accountability and public safety are largely absent.
When one worldview dominates, the outcome is predictable: more releases, greater risk, and communities left questioning who the system is truly designed to protect.
Public safety must never take a back seat to ideology.
It’s time for a complete overhaul of the Parole Board: new leadership, real balance, and a clear mandate that puts victims and community safety first.
Massachusetts deserves a Parole Board that protects the public. Not one that consistently puts them at risk. As Governor, alongside my Lieutenant Governor, 34-year law enforcement veteran and City Councilor Anne Manning Martin,, we will restore balance, prioritize victims, and appoint a Parole Board that reflects a comprehensive, clear-eyed approach to criminal justice.”
Kennealy emphasized that restoring trust in the criminal justice system begins with leadership that puts victims first and ensures that public safety is never compromised.
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