Massachusetts Man Convicted of Killing Toddler Granted Parole After 37 Years

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Massachusetts man who was convicted of killing his girlfriend's 18-month-old son and putting the child's body in a dumpster has been granted parole after serving 37 years in prison. Ronald Bonnoyer, now 68 years old, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the 1989 death of toddler Jean Thibault.

Why it matters

This case has sparked renewed debate over parole policies, particularly for violent offenders, and whether rehabilitation should be prioritized over lengthy sentences. The decision to grant Bonnoyer parole has drawn criticism from some who argue that the crime was too heinous to warrant early release.

The details

In 1989, Bonnoyer was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for the death of 18-month-old Jean Thibault. The child's mother had left Bonnoyer, her live-in boyfriend, to care for the toddler, and when she returned, the child was missing. Bonnoyer initially claimed someone had taken the child, but later confessed to killing him and disposing of the body in a nearby dumpster. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.

• In 1989, Bonnoyer was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
• In 2003, Bonnoyer postponed his initial parole hearing.
• In 2024, Bonnoyer appeared before the Massachusetts Parole Board for a review hearing.
• In 2026, the Massachusetts Parole Board granted Bonnoyer parole after he had served 37 years in prison.

What’s next

The decision to grant Bonnoyer parole will likely face scrutiny and potential legal challenges from those who argue the crime was too severe to warrant early release.