Man convicted of robbing and murdering his mother in New Bedford granted parole with conditions

A man has been granted parole with conditions after murdering his mother in Bristol County.

According to the Parole Board, on November 25, 2002, New Bedford police responded to a report of a foul order coming from a second-floor apartment. Upon investigation, officers found the body of 39-year-old Catherine Molina Velazquez in a bedroom closet, wrapped in a blanket. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be a knife wound to the neck. Her son, 22-year-old Alexis Molina, was questioned multiple times by the New Bedford police. The investigation revealed several discrepancies in Molina’s various stories. On December 9, 2002, Molina was arrested for the murder of his mother. After he was booked, Molina confessed to the murder. He also confessed to taking his mother’s car and jewelry, as well as approximately $6,000 and drugs. 

On September 24, 2003, in Bristol Superior Court, Molina pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of his mother. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. On that same date, he also pleaded guilty to armed robbery with a knife, larceny of a motor vehicle, and larceny. Those charges were filed.

Parole was denied following an initial hearing in 2017, and after a review hearing in 2021.

In granting parole, the Board noted that Molina has engaged in programming and counseling since his last hearing. He admits to a history of substance misuse, has engaged in counseling and AA/NA, and recognizes his need to continue addressing those need areas in the community. He continues to pursue educational opportunities. He has engaged in institutional employment, although he is not currently employed due to his programming. Molina has family support. His aunt spoke in support of parole. The Bristol District Attorney’s Office made a statement in opposition. The Board concluded by unanimous decision that Alexis Molina has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. 

Special conditions of Molina’s parole include: Approve home plan before release; Release to other authority: Interstate to Pennsylvania; Waive work for program; Electronic monitoring at PO discretion; 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; Not contact or association with active gang members; Must have substance abuse evaluation and comply with recommended treatment plan; Must have mental health counseling for depression and trauma; Long-Term Residential Treatment – must complete; NA at least 3 times per week; Mandatory Office of Vocational Rehab.