New Bedford man who pleaded guilty to murder of 18-month-old denied parole

A New Bedford man who pled guilty to causing the death of a young child has been denied parole.

According to the Massachusetts Parole Board, on December 16, 2011, in Bristol County Superior Court, Manuel Moniz pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. 

On Saturday, March 14, 2009, New Bedford police were dispatched regarding a 911 call for an 18-month-old child, Priscilla Walker, who was vomiting and having trouble breathing. Priscilla Walker was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. 

Initially, Manuel Moniz told police that he had accidentally dropped Priscilla. He denied striking her or dropping her at any other time. Moniz later told police that he accidentally hit Priscilla in the head with a heavy plastic toy when he threw it at a wall across the room because he was angry with the child’s mother. As a result of being hit with the toy, Priscilla had a large red mark on her head. Moniz told Priscilla’s mother that the child must have hit her head on the crib. He convinced the mother not to take Priscilla to the hospital even though she was throwing up. Moniz also told police that he had accidentally stepped on Priscilla’s abdomen. 

Following his interview with police on March 26, 2009, Moniz was placed under arrest for the murder of Priscilla Walker. 

The Board stated that Moniz has begun his rehabilitation by completing multiple programs, such as Anger Management and Conflict Resolution. He has received his GED and has been employed since 2016. However, Moniz continues to lack insight into the causative factors of his crime, according to the Board. “Moniz should focus his rehabilitative efforts towards addressing family violence, healthy relationships, and parenting. Programs addressing victim impact will also hopefully provide him with insight.” Moniz described abuse of controlled substances, and the Board recommends Moniz address these self-described behaviors before being granted parole. 

The victim’s mother appeared in opposition to parole. Bristol County Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan also appeared in opposition to parole. Moniz’s sister appeared in support of parole.