Man convicted of fatal stabbing in Salem granted parole after first hearing
A man convicted of stabbing another man in the neck in Salem in 1980 was granted parole this week by the Massachusetts Parole Board in a unanimous decision.
John Almon stabbed Paul Legere twice during a confrontation on March 13, 1980, and Legere died from his wounds a week after the incident. Almon was convicted of first-degree murder that October, following a jury trial in Essex Superior Court.
First-degree murder convictions in Massachusetts carry automatic sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole, meaning Almon was initially not eligible for release. But the state's Supreme Judicial Court last year struck down such sentences, deeming them unconstitutional for emerging adults — those between 18 and 20 years old.
It's not clear how old Almon was when he committed the crime.
An eyewitness told police Almon and Legere were discussing pills outside of the MultiSave Market before the stabbing. Legere asked Almon to return his pills, which prompted an argument. When Almon and Legere entered an alley, a witness saw Almon hit Legere.
Almon told Legere he "couldn't take no more" and stabbed him in the throat. The witness told police Legere retreated to the corner, but returned, at which point Almon stabbed him in the abdomen.
Legere was not seen with any weapons and did not strike Almon.
In its ruling, the parole board noted Almon's 40 years of sobriety. While Almon had "significant institutional adjustment issues," he has not been disciplined for over 20 years while incarcerated.
"He more recently engaged in programming and explained how Restorative Justice has been helpful to him. He showed insight into his substance use issues, and his need to continue with [Alcoholics Anonymous] and supports, so as not to relapse," the board wrote in its decision.
Almon will spend 90 days in a lower-security facility before release to a long-term residential program or Community Resources for Justice, which offers housing for people being released from prison.
As conditions of his release, Almon must attend Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous three days a week and undergo mental health counseling for adjustment.
More on the Massachusetts Parole Board
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