Norfolk County Releases Murder Convict On Medical Parole

DEDHAM, MA — A man whose served 45 years on a murder conviction became the first inmate in Norfolk County to be released under the state's new medical parole policy, District Attorney Michael Morrissey announced. Joseph Labriola, who was found guilty in the May 1973 murder of Arthur Motsis in Dedham, is only the third person to receive parole under a new medical release statute the state legislature created in 2018. He is the first person convicted of first-degree murder to get out on medical parole.

“The new law crafted by the legislature created two avenues for medical parole," Morrisey said. "The first (is) for inmates who have been diagnosed as having no more than 18 months to live, the second addressing those who are permanently physically incapacitated."

Labriola, who has required a wheelchair and 24-hour oxygen for several years, was granted medical parole under the incapacitation qualification. According to the District Attorney's office, Labriola physical handicap is so debilitating, that he no longer poses a threat to the public.

With first-degree murder cases, the legislature granted district attorneys the right to request a hearing if they are not satisfied with an inmate's petition for medical parole. Morrisey said his office examined Labriola's case, taking into account public safety, medical concerns, and the adequacy of the medical parole plan submitted. Labriola's plan involved getting extensive Veteran Affairs services linked to his Purple Heart service in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.

"There will undoubtedly be circumstances and inmates whom we believe are unsuitable for medical parole, or who, we believe, pose an ongoing threat to public safety," Morrissey said. "In this case, we were convinced of his incapacitation and that he does not pose a risk. His condition will not improve."

Labriola was convicted by a Norfolk Superior Court Jury of driving Motsis, who was identified in court documents as a cocaine dealer, to a location along the highway in Dedham on May 10, 1973. Motsis's body was found shot 11 times at the same location, prosecutors said.

"It is ultimately the parole board’s decision on whether to grant release," Morrissey said. "In this instance, we reviewed the information, investigated our questions, and found no grounds to object."