Massachusetts man getting paroled concerning second degree murder at Bristol County mall

A Massachusetts man is being paroled after a murder at an area mall.

According to the Massachusetts Parole Board, on May 26, 1993, after a jury trial in Bristol Superior Court, Charles Chase was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Albert Renauld. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. On that same date, he received a fourteen to fifteen-year sentence for theft of a motor vehicle, as well as a three to five-year sentence for larceny. Both sentences were ordered to run concurrently with his life sentence.

Chase appeared before the Parole Board for a review hearing on December 6, 2022. Chase was denied parole after his initial hearing in 2007 and after his review hearings in 2015 and 2020. Chase postponed his 2012 hearing.

According to information provided by the board, on October 22, 1991, Charles Chase and Roy Farias went to the mall in North Dartmouth, where Chase broke into Albert Renauld’s tool truck, “jimmied” the ignition, and started the engine. When Renauld emerged from the mall, he began to run toward the driver’s side door of his truck. Chase then drove directly toward him without slowing down. Renauld was struck in the chest and stomach by the door of the truck and thrown into the air. As Renauld lay on the ground, Chase continued driving. The following day, Renauld succumbed to his injuries resulting from the impact.

On Wednesday, the Board released a decision that, Chase is a suitable candidate for parole with one member voting against.

The Board notes that Chase’s institutional adjustment has dramatically improved in recent years. He has completed significant programming to include Criminal Thinking, Path of Freedom, Alternatives to Violence, and Cognitive Skills Workshops. Chase demonstrated remorse for his crime and that he has developed tools to control his anger and impulsivity. During his time in lower security, the Board encourages him to formalize his reentry plan and identify solid community support.

As part of the conditions of Chase’s parole, he is reserved to a long term residential program after one year in lower security; Curfew – Must be at home between 10pm and 6am; ELMO-electronic monitoring; Supervise for drugs, testing in accordance with agency policy; Supervise for liquor abstinence, testing in accordance with agency policy; Report to assigned MA Parole Office on day of release; No contact or association with any hate group or gang; No contact with victim’s family; Must have mental health evaluation and follow recommendations; Must have substance abuse evaluation and follow recommendations; Counseling for adjustment/transition.