Dartmouth Lincoln Park murderer denied parole after being released multiple times

A convicted and confessed murderer from the early 1980’s will stay behind bars after seeing his parole denied.

According to a decision released this week, the Massachusetts Parole Board concluded by unanimous vote that now 65-year-old Charles Chaples is not a suitable candidate for parole.

According to documents released from the Board, during the early morning of March 6, 1982, Chaples broke into a Dartmouth home and took a 12-gauge shotgun, two boxes of shells, and a pair of gloves and proceeded to the area behind Lincoln Park in North Dartmouth, where he parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area into the park and hid behind one of the amusement rides so that he could watch the activity of the night watchmen.

Chaples observed Raymond Santos, a night watchman employed by the Park, pass by him and proceed to the Ballroom area. Chaples then walked to the back-side of the park and arrived at the warehouse area before Santos. As Santos approached the watchman station, Chaples scuffled his feet to get his attention. Santos turned around and shined the flashlight into Chaples’ face. Chaples told him to shut off the flashlight and to give him the watchman’s keys. Santos refused and, again, Chaples told him to turn off the flashlight and to give him the keys. Santos refused a second time and Chaples fired the shotgun three times which killed Santos. Santos’ body was found later that day.

The next day, Chaples was questioned by police and later confessed to the murder.

On March 24, 1983, in Bristol Superior Court, Chaples pleaded guilty to murder in the second-degree for the death of Santos. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. On that same date, he also received concurrent sentences of 3-5 years for larceny and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. Parole was denied following an initial hearing in 1997. Chaples has been released on parole on several occasions, but was returned to custody each time, most recently in 2021. His parole revocation was affirmed on February 11, 2022. 

Chaples appeared before the Board for the 11th time. He has had three prior returns to custody. He has been incarcerated on his most recent return to custody since December 2021. Chaples has completed some correspondences courses, but the Board continues to have concerns regarding Chaples’ insight into his behaviors. The Board recommends the in-person Family Violence Education Group and that Chaples commit to exploring his concerning behavior that has resulted in his prior returns to custody. In rendering their decision, the Board considered testimony from Bristol County ADA Tara Burdman in opposition to parole.

Chaples has been returned to custody each time due to a concerning pattern of behavior with women, all to include domestic abuse, according to the Board. The Board is concerned that he does not take responsibility for his behavior while on parole and that Chaples’ actions are indicative of someone who takes advantage of vulnerable women.

A review of Chaples parole is scheduled in 2 years.