NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — For the first time in years, a convicted Massachusetts inmate serving a life with no parole sentence is seeking to have his sentence commuted. In 1987, Thomas Koonce shot and killed 24-year-old Mark Santos in New Bedford.
Koonce was with friends who found themselves caught between two groups fighting each other. Koonce, a United States Marine who was home on leave, now admits he fired the fatal shot into a crowd that killed Santos. Thomas Koonce is asking that his first-degree murder conviction be reduced to second-degree murder, making him eligible for parole.
At his virtual hearing before the State Advisory Board of Pardons, Koonce apologized to the family of victim Mark Santos.
“I fired the fatal shot that killed your son, and for that I am truly sorry,” Koonce said. “I will forever remain resourceful for my reckless and excessive behavior actions that led to Mr. Santos' death. His life was abruptly cut short. And I am responsible for that. And I’m sorry.”
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In 2010, Koonce requested a commutation, but the board rejected his request.
Now, 10 years later, Koonce told the board he has taken part in dozens of prison rehabilitation and restorative justice programs and is a changed man. Koonce is asking for a second chance.
Victim Mark Santos' family, however, is opposing the request. Virginia Santos told the board she thought Koonce would never again walk the streets when he was convicted of first-degree murder.
“Our heartaches never end, and when we start getting a little peace, this is what we get. Go back to 1987,” Virginia Santos said.
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If the board approves Koonces' request, it will be sent to Governor Charlie Baker and the Governor’s Council for a final vote. To date, Governor Baker has not commuted any inmate’s sentence.