Mass. man, convicted of murder at 15, earns parole
A Massachusetts man who has spent more than half his life in prison was granted parole on Tuesday.
On Dec. 31, 2007, 15-year-old Emmanuel Okoro had been drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana with friends and family when he decided to go to a nearby New Year's Eve party. However, they were turned away at the door by Markeen Starks, 19.
Starks knew Okoro and his sister. They had attempted to retaliate against the Starks' sister after she had spoken to the police regarding an earlier killing, the parole board wrote.
After the party ended, a crowd gathered outside the party and a fight broke out, including between Okoro and Starks. During the fight, Okoro was carrying a knife and stabbed Starks multiple times. Starks died from the knife wounds.
On Dec. 28, 2010, following a jury trial in Plymouth County Superior Court, Okoro was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
He first went in front of the parole board in 2023 but was denied due to still having violent behavior and multiple disciplinary reports for fighting.
"While he has engaged in programming, including CRA, Mr. Okoro would benefit from a longer period of rehabilitation to address his violent behavior. He should remain disciplinary report free and get his G.E.D., and engage in the rehabilitative programs available to him," the parole board wrote.
He wasn't expected to have another parole board hearing for three years. However, he went in front of the parole board early on April 16 "due to his substantial efforts since the last hearing."
He earned his HiSet, which is similar to a GED, remained disciplinary report free and continued to participate in rehabilitative programming.
"The Board concludes by unanimous decision that Mr. Okoro has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society," the board wrote in its Sept. 16 decision.
Okoro, 33, will first spent six months in a lower security prison.
Once on parole, he will spend six months on electronic monitoring, be supervised for drugs and alcohol and have no contact with Starks' family.
More on the Massachusetts Parole Board
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