Overview
- During a four-hour hearing, Massachusetts Parole Board members questioned whether Colon has shown sufficient accountability and rehabilitation for the 1983 murder of Trooper George L. Hanna.
- Colon expressed remorse and a psychologist testified in support of parole, citing his youth and influence from older co-defendants, but board members challenged his explanations and progress.
- Chair Angelo Gomez and member Charlene Bonner cited limited program participation, disputed descriptions of the shooting, and recent disciplinary tickets for suspected drug use that Colon denied.
- Governor Maura Healey filed a letter urging denial of parole, and Hanna’s family attended the hearing to oppose release and describe the lasting impact of his killing.
- Colon became eligible after the 2024 Mattis decision, which created roughly 210 parole reviews statewide; about 51 decisions have been issued with 39 conditional releases, and a final ruling in this case is expected months after the hearing.