Massachusetts DA Criticizes Parole Board's Decision to Free Convicted Killer

Lewis Franklin, who received 19 disciplinary reports in prison, was granted parole despite opposition from the Plymouth DA's office.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuffed wrist against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the tensions surrounding the release of violent offenders.A stark visual representation of the criminal justice system's ongoing struggle to balance reform and public safety.Brockton Today

The Plymouth District Attorney's office is criticizing the Massachusetts Parole Board's decision to release Lewis Franklin, a convicted murderer who received 19 disciplinary reports during his time in prison. Franklin was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a 2004 killing, but became eligible for parole after a state Supreme Judicial Court ruling. The DA's office argued that Franklin's lack of participation in prison programming prior to the ruling suggests he lacks the motivation to better himself, and that releasing him poses a risk to public safety.

Why it matters

The Parole Board's decision to release Franklin, despite his disciplinary record in prison, highlights the ongoing debate around sentencing reform and parole eligibility for violent offenders. The case also raises questions about the impact of the Mattis ruling, which made over 200 'emerging adults' convicted of murder eligible for parole in Massachusetts.

The details

In 2004, Lewis Franklin was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing 30-year-old John Falcone in Brockton. However, in 2024, the state's Supreme Judicial Court ruled in the Mattis case that 'emerging adults' who were 18 to 20 years old at the time of the offense cannot be sentenced to life without parole. As a result, Franklin, now 39, became eligible for parole. The Parole Board ultimately granted his release to a state Department of Mental Health Group Living Environment, despite the Plymouth DA's office opposing his release due to his 19 disciplinary reports received during his time in prison.

  • In August 2004, Franklin fatally shot Falcone during a confrontation.
  • In 2004, Franklin was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
  • In 2024, the state's Supreme Judicial Court ruled in the Mattis case that 'emerging adults' aged 18-20 cannot be sentenced to life without parole.
  • In 2026, the Parole Board granted Franklin's release to a state Department of Mental Health Group Living Environment.

The players

Lewis Franklin

A 39-year-old man who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2004 for killing John Falcone and was recently granted parole by the Massachusetts Parole Board despite receiving 19 disciplinary reports in prison.

John Falcone

A 30-year-old man who was killed by Lewis Franklin in 2004.

Timothy Cruz

The Plymouth District Attorney who opposed Franklin's release, arguing that his lack of participation in prison programming prior to the Mattis ruling suggests he lacks the motivation to better himself and that releasing him poses a risk to public safety.

Massachusetts Parole Board

The state agency that granted Franklin's release to a state Department of Mental Health Group Living Environment, despite opposition from the Plymouth DA's office.

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

The state's highest court that ruled in the Mattis case that 'emerging adults' aged 18-20 cannot be sentenced to life without parole, making Franklin eligible for parole.

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What they’re saying

“Furthermore, the fact that the defendant only started to participate in institutional programming after the Mattis decision undercuts that he is ready for parole. That he failed to participate in programming prior to this suggests that he lacks the intrinsic motivation to better himself or learn through programming.”

— Timothy Cruz, Plymouth District Attorney

“With structure and the appropriate supports in place, the Board concludes that Mr. Franklin's release is compatible with the welfare of society.”

— Massachusetts Parole Board

What’s next

The Plymouth DA's office has stated that it will continue to fight for victims and oppose the release of violent criminals who have harmed their communities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around sentencing reform and parole eligibility for violent offenders in Massachusetts, as well as the impact of the Mattis ruling that expanded parole access for 'emerging adults' convicted of murder. The Parole Board's decision to release Franklin, despite his disciplinary record in prison, has drawn criticism from prosecutors who argue it puts public safety at risk.