Paxton Police Chief Killer Up For Parole: Worcester DA, State Police Commander Oppose

WORCESTER, MA—Jamie C. Richards was 22 at the time he was convicted of second degree murder in 1994 in the killing of Paxton Police Chief Robert Mortell.

Now 23 years later, Richards is up for parole, arguing for release to the Parole Board on Thursday at noon in Natick.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. has released a statement that he will oppose the early release. Col. Richard D. McKeon, now commander of the Massachusetts State Police, was the lead investigator on the murder and will testify against granting Richards parole, as well.

Richards was one of three men convicted of murder after Chief Mortell was shot and killed on Feb. 1, 1994 in the woods off Route 31 in Holden, according to the district attorney's office. Mortell had been pursing three men suspected of breaking into a house on Kendall Road in Holden and stealing a truck at gunpoint.

Michael D. Souza, who was 25 at the time of the killing, was later convicted of 1st degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Richards, and a third defendant, Kenneth N. Padgett Jr., then 22, were convicted of 2nd degree murder and became eligible for parole after serving 15 years in prison, said the announcement.

Richards, who has twice waived his right to a parole hearing, is facing the Parole Board for the first time. Padgett has been denied parole by the board twice.

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