A Massachusetts man dreamed of falling in love and becoming a father. Instead, a single moment at age 18 led to more than three decades behind bars.
Now, after serving time for his role in a 1993 killing at Tasty Chicken in Boston, Dirceu Semedo, 51, is finally free — only to face an uncertain future once again.
On April 23, 1992, a group of men, including Semedo, saw Dorchester musician Charleston Sarjeant ordering food at Tasty Chicken with his wife and a friend around midnight. After throwing a beer bottle and shouting, “Let’s shut him down,” the group of men entered the Tasty Chicken.
One of the men hit Sarjeant in the head with a large radio that he had been carrying, according to the parole board. The group of men then started beating, punching and kicking Sarjeant.
One of the men then took a knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbed Sarjeant.
Sarjeant died from multiple stab wounds and blunt head trauma, the medical examiner concluded.
Originally, Semedo testified at trial that he was present at Tasty Chicken for part of the attack, but he was not a participant. He was still found guilty of first-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Suffolk Superior Court on Feb. 22, 1993. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for first-degree murder.
However, he became eligible for parole after a recent Supreme Judicial Court decision that states emerging adults between the ages of 18-20 cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Due to the decision, Semedo was able to go in front of the parole board for the first time in February.
He told the parole board he takes full responsibility for his part in Sarjeant’s death. He said he had been weak and cowardly on April 23, 1992. He also expressed remorse for his actions and for inflicting pain on Sarjeant’s family.
He also told the Boston Globe in 2017 that he is “deeply ashamed” of his involvement in the crime.
“I do feel a great deal of regret,” Semedo wrote to the Globe. “I wish my life had been different. I wish I had a chance to be a father. I wish I could fall in love and get married … I can only think of these things briefly because regret is dangerous in this place.”
The parole board noted that Semedo has been sober for 30 years, earned his GED and completed over 70 programs in all need areas. He also has not received a disciplinary report since 2012.
“Mr. Semedo has served as a leader and mentor while incarcerated,” the parole board wrote.
While the parole board determined his release is compatible with the welfare of society, he won’t immediately be freed.
Instead, Semedo was released to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Semedo moved to the U.S. from Cape Verde at age 6 with his mother and three siblings, the Globe reported. He went to school through the eighth grade before getting involved in drugs.
His family was ashamed with his drug use, he told the newspaper. But over the years, he changed and the family was able to reconcile.
“Today I know my mother is proud of the man I have become,” he told the Globe.
If he isn’t deported, the parole board has stated he will need an approved home plan and will have electronic monitoring for 6 months.
