Plymouth County man convicted of killing infant daughter denied parole

A Massachusetts man was denied parole after being convicted of killing his infant daughter.

According to documents issued by the parole board, on October 29, 2003, after a jury trial in Plymouth County Superior Court, Michael Moran of Halifax was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter, Viktoria. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

On September 5, 2003, 21-year-old Michael Moran was living with his girlfriend and their two children. On that date, the children’s mother took their older daughter to the doctor and, at Moran’s insistence, left their seven-week-old daughter, Viktoria, in his care. Upon return, Viktoria’s mother checked on her daughter, who appeared to be fine. Later that evening, however, Viktoria stopped breathing. Paramedics arrived and transported Viktoria to the hospital, where she died. During questioning, Moran told police that he “slammed” Viktoria into her crib and her head hit the crib railing.

This was Moran’s second appearance before the Board. The Board stated that he has had no disciplinary reports since his last hearing. Moran has not completed institutional programming since his last hearing, but reports he has completed programming through ACCI. The Board notes Moran should continue with therapy to address his trauma and work to continue to address areas of need, including Victim Empathy and Insight. The Board finds he should reflect on accountability. The Board also recommends programs that will promote further insight into the dynamics of family violence. The Board also encourages Moran to develop a reentry plan that addresses his on-going needs. The Board again considered the 2022 expert forensic evaluation authored by Dr. DiCataldo. The Board considered the lack of forthrightness by Moran regarding his account of the crime, considering the circumstances. The Board considered testimony from three members of Moran’s family in support of parole. The Board considered the testimony of Viktoria’s mother and sister in opposition to parole. The Board also considered the testimony of Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Karen Palumbo in opposition to parole. The Board concludes that Moran has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. 

Moran’s parole will be reviewed in 1 year.