News Notes: Convicted teen killer pleads for parole

Former Canton resident Rod Matthews, currently serving a life sentence for the 1986 murder of CHS classmate Shaun Ouillette, made his latest bid for release at a hearing with the state parole board on Tuesday, June 8. Matthews, now 48, acknowledged during testimony that he committed a “sick and senseless act” but insisted to the board that he was no longer the same troubled teen and would “never hurt anyone again.”

One of the state’s most notorious teen killers — and one of the first juveniles in the country to be tried as an adult — Matthews was only a high school freshman when he lured his chosen target, Ouillette, into a wooded area in Canton and ambushed him with repeated blows to the back of the head with a baseball bat. He later bragged about the act to two of his classmates and took both in the ensuing days to view Ouillette’s body, which authorities discovered three weeks later, frozen and ravaged by animals.

Ouillette’s mother, Jeanne Quinn, who has dedicated the past 35 years to preserving her son’s memory, said she is personally fearful of Matthews and urged the board to deny his request in the interests of community safety. Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz also testified at the hearing, arguing that Matthews is where he belongs and should not be released.

The parole board will now deliberate in executive session before rendering a decision. Key considerations for the board include Matthews’ likelihood of reoffending and whether his release would be “compatible with the welfare of society.” His three previous attempts at parole — in 2001, 2007 and 2016 — were all denied.

Police arrest Brockton man in daytime B&E

Canton police arrested a Brockton man in connection with a York Street home burglary on Tuesday, June 8, at approximately 11:30 a.m. The suspect, identified as George Henry Correia, 50, was charged with breaking and entering in a building during the daytime and receiving stolen property over $1,200. Deputy Police Chief Helena Rafferty alleged that the suspect broke into the home and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry/coins/silver. Detectives, with forensics assistance from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, identified the suspect by a fingerprint left on the window and followed the evidence trail to a pawn shop.

Amazon to host info sessions for Canton job seekers

Amazon will be holding two upcoming virtual information sessions for job seekers interested in applying for positions at its new Canton facility at 300 Dan Road. Immediate hourly positions are available and Canton residents are encouraged to apply. Sessions are scheduled for Friday, June 18, from 1-2 p.m. and Wednesday, June 23, from 4-5 p.m. For more information, visit bitly.com/amazonbostonjobs.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 18 2021. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.