Massachusetts man denied parole after murdering his 18-year-old wife, dumping her body

Parole has been denied for a Massachusetts man who was convicted of murdering his wife and dumping her body.

According to the Parole Board, on December 20, 1986, 18-year-old Anna Foster’s naked and clothesline-bound body was discovered in a pond in Wrentham. Foster had been missing since November 1, 1986. It was determined that Foster died of strangulation and that her body had been in the pond for several weeks at the time it was discovered. Michael Foster (age 22) and Foster attended a Halloween party on the evening of October 31, 1986. After the party, they went to a friend’s house. In the early morning hours after leaving the friend’s house, Foster strangled his wife, tied her body with a clothesline, and put her body in a nearby pond in an attempt to conceal the crime. Foster also joined in efforts to try and find his wife. 

Foster fled to Florida after the body was discovered and, while there, he was convicted of several offenses, including battery on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, and grand theft (stealing an automobile). Although he initially fought extradition, Foster was returned to Massachusetts in 1989 to face the murder charge. 

On August 14, 1989, in Norfolk Superior Court, Foster was convicted of murder in the second degree for the death of his wife. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Parole was denied following an initial hearing in 2004, and after review hearings in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2023.

Foster is 60 years old and has been incarcerated for over 35 years. The Board stated that he has a lengthy history of disciplinary reports, but has incurred none since 2017. Since his last hearing, he has completed 24 programs, including Alternative to Violence, Jericho Circle, Restorative Justice Retreat and the Family Violence Education Group. The Board found that Foster continues to minimize his pattern of domestic violence. He received his GED in 1991. He reports prior substance misuse, but states he has been sober for nearly 30 years. The Board notes the programming he has been engaged in has mostly been recent and finds a lengthier period of reflection and rehabilitation is needed. Four of Foster’s family members spoke in opposition to parole. Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Laura McLaughlin spoke in opposition to parole. The Board concludes that Foster has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society.