60-year-old granted parole for 6th time since 2004 — but addiction remains a barrier

A Massachusetts man was granted parole for the sixth time as officials hope he can finally overcome struggles with substance use disorder.

On April 22, 1989, Charles Hughes, who was 24, and Mac Hudson shot two people during an attempted robbery in Roxbury. Eighteen-year-old Derek Twitty was killed in the shooting.

The two men pretended that they wanted to buy drugs but instead drew guns and demanded both drugs and money. Hughes and Hudson then chased down the men as they attempted to flee.

Eyewitnesses were able to identify Hughes and Hudson in photo line-ups.

About a month after the murder, Hughes was arrested outside his girlfriend’s house for disorderly conduct. He was charged with the murder of Twitty, as well as the crimes associated with the armed robbery.

He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

He first went in front of the parole board in 2004 and was granted parole in 2005. But it was later revoked due to to parole violations.

The Massachusetts Parole Board said Hughes has had ongoing struggles with substance use disorder for years.

He was also given parole in 2009, 2016, 2019 and 2022. But each time, it was revoked.

However, Hughes, now 60, has never been charged with a crime while on parole.

He went in front of the parole board again on March 27. A few months later, the parole board decided to give Hughes another chance, hoping this time he can get the help he needs.

“The conditions set by the Board, which include a Long-Term Residential Program, a recovery coach, and mental health counseling, will assist Mr. Hughes in maintaining sustained remission from his substance use disorder,” the board wrote in its August decision.