Massachusetts man who murdered a man while on parole, and later escaped custody to commit more crimes, has been granted parole with conditions

A Massachusetts man who murdered a man while on parole, and later escaped custody, has been granted parole.

According to the Massachusetts Parole Board, on December 11, 1978, while on parole from convictions for breaking and entering in the nighttime and larceny, 22-year-old Abdul-Barre Mustafa, previously known as Paul O’Neil, became involved in a violent confrontation with Armando Robin (aged 20). After a brief struggle, the inmate fatally stabbed Robin once in the chest. Although Mustafa initially fled, he turned himself into police several days later. He was ultimately convicted of second-degree murder. 

On May 10, 1979, following a jury trial in Worcester Superior Court, Mustafa was sentenced forthwith to life in prison with the possibility of parole. 

On March 4, 1990, Mustafa escaped from custody from MCI-Lancaster (Minimum). He was apprehended 4 days later on March 8, 1990, and returned to custody to MCI- Concord on March 9, 1990. While on escape status, he engaged in further criminal conduct. 

On May 1, 1990, in Clinton District Court, Mustafa was sentenced to a term of 1 year in the House of Correction for escape. This sentence was ordered to be served from and after his life sentence. 

On October 1, 1990, in Worcester Superior Court, Mustafa was sentenced to a term of 2 1/2 to 5 years for carrying a firearm without authority, a crime he committed while on escape status from his life sentence. This sentence was ordered to be served from and after all sentences previously imposed (lodged as a warrant behind his life sentence). A charge of unlawful possession of ammunition was placed on file following the guilty plea. 

In their decision to grant parole, the Board noted that Mustafa completed rehabilitative programming related to the causative factors of his offense. He has been disciplinary report free for over a decade. He has maintained steady employment through the Department of Correction as a utility worker. He reports that he has been sober since 2005 and also medication compliant.

Conditions of Mustafa’s parole include: Waive work for 2 weeks, program, or disability; Must be home between 10 PM and 6 AM; Electronic monitoring; 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; No contact with victim’s family; Must have mental health evaluation and follow recommendations; Must have mental health counseling for adjustment; LTRP (Crozier or Dismas preferred); AA or NA 3 times a week.