News Summary
Evens Auguste has been granted parole after serving over 30 years for the murder of Dana R. Cox in 1990. His case has drawn attention due to recent changes in sentencing laws affecting young offenders, which now allow for the possibility of parole. Auguste has demonstrated good behavior and engagement in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated. His release, however, comes with strict conditions as discussions around justice and accountability continue in the Boston community.
Boston
Evens Auguste, now in his 50s, was granted parole this week after serving over three decades for the murder of 19-year-old Dana R. Cox in 1990. Auguste’s case has garnered attention due to changes in sentencing laws regarding life sentences for younger offenders.
On October 16, 1990, Auguste fatally shot Dana Cox six times near an ice cream parlor in Mattapan, a neighborhood in Boston. Witnesses reported seeing Auguste near the scene using a pay phone just before the incident. Recognizable due to his clothing, Auguste fled the area immediately following the shooting and was subsequently arrested.
In 1991, a jury from Suffolk Superior Court found Auguste guilty of first-degree murder, which led to a life sentence without the possibility of parole. However, a significant legal ruling by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2023 changed the landscape for those convicted as individuals aged 18 to 20. The court deemed life sentences without parole to be unconstitutional for this age group, granting eligible individuals the ability to seek parole.
Auguste took the opportunity to apply for parole for the first time in February 2024. The state Parole Board reviewed his application and unanimously decided to grant his release, citing his substantial engagement in programs focused on rehabilitation and his mentorship of other incarcerated individuals.
During his time in prison, Auguste has demonstrated commendable behavior, having not received any disciplinary reports for over 14 years. He has also maintained a substance-free lifestyle for three decades while incarcerated. His strong support system in the community and a well-structured plan for reentering society played essential roles in the Parole Board’s decision to approve his parole.
As part of the conditions of his parole, Auguste will be supervised for drug and alcohol consumption, prohibited from any contact with Cox’s family, and required to undergo mental health counseling.
The murder of Dana Cox had profound effects on his family. His mother, Annie Cox, honored her son’s memory by becoming a Boston police officer after the tragedy and later retired from the force. She has publicly acknowledged the bittersweet recognition of her son’s name being added to Boston’s Garden of Peace memorial, a place dedicated to honoring the memory of homicide victims.
The release of Evens Auguste marks a pivotal moment in a case that has spanned over three decades, illustrating how evolving judicial perspectives regarding juvenile offenders can influence sentencing and rehabilitation opportunities. The case continues to resonate within the Boston community, reflecting ongoing discussions about justice, accountability, and the potential for change in individuals who have committed serious crimes.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Man Convicted of Fatal Shooting in Mattapan Gets Parole
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice System in the United States
- Cambridge Day: Events in Cambridge and Somerville
- Google Search: Parole System in the United States
- Dot News: Launch of Louverture Cultural Center
- Google Scholar: Juvenile Offenders Sentencing
- Boston Globe: Crime & Courts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Justice
- TimeOut: London Events in August
- Google News: Boston Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
