New Bedford man granted parole with conditions after murdering female friend in drug filled rage

A Bristol County man has been granted parole with conditions after being convicted of murdering his friend.

According to the Parole Board, on May 28, 1980, 25-year-old Gary Donaghy stabbed and killed 21-year-old friend Carol Dorlet in New Bedford. Massachusetts State Police arrived at 37 Sixth Street in New Bedford as a result of a call concerning a possible homicide. Drolet was lying on her back on the apartment floor with a large pool of blood around her head and her face covered with blood. Her shirt was partially pulled up and her blue cut-off dungaree shorts were opened at the waist and partially pulled down. A military type of belt was observed around the victim’s neck with no buckle on it and not very tight. Blood was observed on the lower walls and door frames from the living area into the kitchenette. There was blood in the kitchen sink and on the hot water faucet handle and several spots visible on the countertop. Dr. Ambrose Keeley, State Pathologist, observed that there were four stab wounds in the chest, five stab wounds in the neck and throat, and two stab wounds over the right eye. When Donaghy became angry with Drolet, he placed his belt around her neck and strangled her into unconsciousness. A knife and scissors were used in the stabbing. On the day of the murder, Donaghy and his girlfriend (a different woman) engaged in a heated argument over money that he had stolen from her to fuel his drug habit. Angry and humiliated, Donaghy left and went to Drolet’s apartment to use cocaine. However, when Drolet also confronted him about his addiction, Donaghy “flew into a rage” and strangled her into unconsciousness. Following an investigation, Donaghy was placed under arrest for the murder. 

On February 4, 1981, in Bristol Superior Court, Donaghy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Drolet. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Parole was denied after an initial hearing in 1995, and after review hearings in 1998, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2019 and 2023.

In their decision released Monday, the Board revealed that Donaghy received a 2-year setback following his hearing in January 2023. The Board recommended at that time that he engage in further programming in the area of victim empathy. Donaghy has followed the Board’s recommendation by participating in VOEG, Restorative Justice Retreat and Reading Group, and Anger Management. During his hearing, the Board stated that he demonstrated that he has developed the tools to control his anger and emotions. He has had no disciplinary reports since 2012. Donaghy attends AA weekly and has taken on leadership roles, while incarcerated. The Board also notes that he received an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corp. The Board considered testimony from Donaghy’s sister in support of parole and Bristol County Assistant District Attorney Dan Walsh, who did not oppose parole, but expressed concern that Donaghy did not present a solid re-entry program. The Board concluded by unanimous decision that Gary Donaghy has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. 

Special conditions of Donaghy’s parole include: approve home plan before release; Waive work for 2 weeks; Electronic Monitoring for 6 months; 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 counseling for adjustment; AA/NA at least 3 times per week; Mandatory District Attorney clearance.