Plymouth County man denied parole after murder of 7-week-old daughter

A Massachusetts man was denied parole after being convicted of killing his infant daughter.

According to documents issued by the parole board, on September 5, 2003, 21-year-old Michael Moran of Halifax was living with his girlfriend and their two children. On that date, the children’s mother took their older daughter to the doctor and, at Moran’s insistence, left their seven-week-old daughter, Viktoria, in his care. Upon return, Viktoria’s mother checked on her daughter, who appeared to be fine. Later that evening, however, Viktoria stopped breathing. Paramedics arrived and transported Viktoria to the hospital, where she died. During questioning, Moran told police that he “slammed” Viktoria into her crib and her head hit the crib railing.

On October 29, 2003, after a jury trial in Plymouth County Superior Court, Moran was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter, Viktoria. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

During Moran’s 3rd appearance before the Board, it was noted that since the last hearing in 2025, he did engage in recommended domestic violence treatment; however, this was via correspondence courses. The Board remains concerned that he has not benefited to the extent the Board expected. The Board had previously recommended he transfer to a facility that offers an in-person family violence program. Concerns were illustrated further via victim testimony. Moran has remained sober and disciplinary report free since his last hearing. The Board again reconsidered the expert forensic evaluation by Dr. DiCataldo (2021) and considered the testimony of Kerry Burke, LICSW, in support of parole. The Board also considered the testimony of two of the victim’s family members, and Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Arne Hantsen, in opposition to parole.

The Board concluded that Moran has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. 

Moran’s parole will be reviewed in 2 years, but may put in for a reconsideration if he completes a family violence program before 2 years.