Massachusetts Parole Board Frees Another 'Emerging Adult' Murderer

Convicted of brazen daytime shooting, Patrick Grier to be released after 15 years

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:36pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a violent crime.A recent wave of parole decisions for 'emerging adult' offenders convicted of violent crimes has reignited debates over sentencing guidelines and public safety.Boston Today

The Massachusetts Parole Board is releasing another 'emerging adult' first-degree murderer, Patrick Grier, who killed a rival in a brazen broad-daylight shooting in front of a bustling post office in Boston in 2008. Grier was 20 years old at the time and was originally sentenced to life without parole, but a 2024 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling made him eligible for parole after 15 years.

Why it matters

The Mattis ruling has made over 200 convicted murderers who were 18-20 years old at the time of their crimes eligible for parole hearings, leading to the release of dozens of 'emerging adult' first-degree murderers in Massachusetts. This case highlights the ongoing debate around sentencing and rehabilitation for young adult offenders.

The details

In 2008, Grier and his 16-year-old co-defendant saw their rival, 16-year-old De'Andre Barboza, at a store in Dorchester. Grier then shot Barboza multiple times at close range in front of a busy post office, killing him two days later. Grier and his co-defendant fled the scene, but police apprehended them and recovered the gun, which tested positive for gunshot residue on their hands.

  • On November 30, 2008, Grier and his co-defendant saw Barboza at a store in Dorchester.
  • The next morning, Grier and his co-defendant spotted Barboza outside a market on Washington Street.
  • When Barboza reached the corner in front of a busy post office, Grier shot him multiple times, causing Barboza to die two days later.

The players

Patrick Grier

A 37-year-old man who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2008 for killing a 16-year-old rival in a brazen daytime shooting.

De'Andre Barboza

A 16-year-old who was killed by Grier in the 2008 shooting.

Commonwealth v. Mattis

A 2024 state Supreme Judicial Court ruling that determined 'emerging adult' offenders who were 18 to 20 at the time of the offense could not be sentenced to life without parole.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Grier presented with insight into the causative factors that led to his gang affiliation and offending behavior. Mr. Grier began to invest in self-development prior to the Mattis decision, and furthered his rehabilitation by participating in and completing programs related to his need areas.'”

— Massachusetts Parole Board

What’s next

The Parole Board's decision to release Grier has sparked renewed debate over sentencing and rehabilitation for young adult offenders in Massachusetts.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing controversy around the Mattis ruling, which has made over 200 convicted murderers who were 18-20 years old at the time of their crimes eligible for parole hearings in Massachusetts, leading to the release of dozens of 'emerging adult' first-degree murderers.