A Massachusetts man once sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole will soon be walking free.
In 2009, Richard Figueroa was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of 28-year-old Luis Alcantara. However, he appealed and his first-degree sentenced was reduced to second-degree murder, which allowed him to go in front of the parole board for the first time in 2022.
The two men had been arguing about a marijuana purchase on Jan. 31, 2008. Alcantara owed Figueroa $1,300 for the purchase. However, Figueroa owed Alcantara $1,050 from another person who didn’t pay in full.
Figueroa suggested they “call it even.” Alcantara disagreed and Figueroa tried to pay him $500.
Around 9:30 p.m. that night, Figueroa, who was drunk, took a taxi from a Lawrence restaurant to a bar. However, when they got there, Figueroa didn’t enter the bar.
Instead, he went to a restaurant, said “look” and pulled out a gun. He then shot the 28-year-old who was seated at a restaurant table in the leg and chest, killing him.
Alcantara, known to most as “Flava,” was remembered as “a giving, strong, loving, kind and humble individual,” according to his obituary.
During his time in prison, Figueroa worked as a laundry worker and a maintenance worker. He began attending AA meetings. And he said he has remorse for what he did.
The board noted he had a disciplinary report in March. However, it said the circumstances did not impact his release.
The board was impressed with his improvements from 2022. They also said he had strong family support.
He was granted parole to a long-term residential program after 90 days in lower security.
