After 17 years in prison, Mass. man convicted of first-degree murder given second chance
A 37-year-old man convicted of a 2008 Boston killing has been granted parole under the Commonwealth v. Mattis decision , a Supreme Judicial Court ruling that allows a second chance for 18-to-20-year-olds previously sentenced to life without parole.
Elbert Newson, of Dorchester, was 19 when he and a co-defendant participated in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Thomas Webb. Webb was petting a neighbor's dog outside a Jamaica Plain apartment building on Sept. 15, 2008 when the killing occurred.
Newson was convicted of first-degree murder in 2011 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was also found guilty of possession of a firearm without an FID card.
Newson, who has served 17 years in prison and is currently at MCI-Norfolk, became eligible for parole after the Supreme Judicial Court's 2024 decision to make life without the possibility of parole for "emerging adults" unconstitutional.
Newson appeared before the Massachusetts Parole Board in December for the first time. According to the board's March 18 decision, he has "engaged in meaningful programs to address his need areas."
"Mr. Newson had significant adverse childhood experiences that were directly related to his offense and dysfunctional lifestyle," the board wrote. "He appears to have matured and benefitted from programming that began prior to the Mattis decision, including achieving his GED in 2007."
The board said Newson has established a "significant support system" that includes individuals who specialize in re-entry needs for people exiting prison.
"The Board concludes that Elbert Newson has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society," the decision reads.
The board instituted special conditions for Newson's release. First, he will spend at least six months in a lower security facility before being paroled to an approved home plan.
Newson will be subject to electronic monitoring for six months, a nighttime curfew, and drug and alcohol testing. He must also participate in mental health counseling and have no contact with the victim's family.
Webb's family testified in opposition to Newson's release.
More on the Massachusetts Parole Board
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