Fall River man convicted of beating his infant son to death denied parole

A Fall River man with a concerning criminal history has been denied parole concerning the death of his infant son.

According to the Board, on June 6, 2007, in Bristol County Superior Court, a then 32-year-old Christopher Cerce pleaded guilty to the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder in the death of his infant son, James. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The Board concluded by a unanimous vote that Cerce is not a suitable candidate for parole.

The Board is of the opinion that Cerce has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitative progress that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society.

On April 19, 2007, Cerce beat his infant son James, resulting in his death due to head injuries.

The Board stated that Cerce has incurred seven disciplinary reports during his incarceration, most recently in 2018. Cerce’s version of the offense conflicts with the injuries sustained by the victim and he has a concerning criminal history which includes being convicted of motor vehicle homicide while intoxicated. Although the Board said that Cerce did well while residing in the Residential Treatment Unit, they are troubled as to why he engaged in no rehabilitative programming between the years of 2012 and 2021. Given his history of addiction, the Board believes that Cerce should seriously engage in programs such as Alcohol Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. He has also completed no programming to address victim empathy. The Board suggests he also pursue Restorative Justice, parenting courses, and continue counseling.

Cerce’s next appearance before the Board will take place in three years.