Mass. man who shot teen in the head during drug deal to remain in prison
A 36-year-old man who killed an 18-year-old nearly two decades ago during a drug deal was denied parole following his first appearance before the Massachusetts Parole Board, which found he had not sufficiently invested in violence reduction programming.
Mark Hayden was 19 when he shot Andrew Colwell in the head after arranging to buy a pound of marijuana from him in 2008. In April 2010, Hayden pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Hayden made his first appearance before the parole board in May. The vote to deny his parole was split, with two of the six members supporting his release.
On July 7, 2008, Hayden set up a drug deal with Colwell and a friend. Colwell and his friend met Hayden at a pre-determined location, then drove to a parking lot in Mansfield. Hayden, seated in the backseat, pulled out a gun when they arrived at the parking lot and yelled at the men to give him the marijuana.
Hayden then pointed the gun at Colwell's head and pulled the trigger. He then pointed the gun at the friend and ordered him to turn over the drugs. The friend gave Hayden about 3/4 of a pound of marijuana. Colwell died of the gunshot, and Hayden fled the scene.
Hayden was arrested at South Station in Boston the day after the shooting.
In its decision, the board found that while Hayden has invested in education, he hasn't sufficiently pursued violence reduction programming. Members were also concerned about Hayden's behavior while incarcerated, noting a disciplinary report from 2016.
The board heard testimony in support of parole from Hayden's family and friends. A Bristol County prosecutor opposed his release. The board also noted "significant community opposition."
Hayden will next be eligible for parole in three years.
More on the Massachusetts Parole Board
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