Former Framingham Resident Who Killed MA Cop In 1981 Out On Parole

HOLLISTON, MA — The Holliston Police Department published a special, online memorial for John Johnson on Aug. 13. Johnson was shot to death while on duty in 1981, leaving behind a wife and two children.

The following day, the Holliston Police Department published a scathing letter from its police chief. The reason? Johnson's killer had been released from prison.

Rolando Jimenez, 65, was released on parole on Aug. 14 after serving over four decades in prison. Jimenez was convicted of second-degree murder for the 1981 shooting of Johnson.

"As a police officer, as a human being, and as your Police Chief, I am disgusted with the Parole Board's unrighteous decision to release Inmate Jimenez from prison," wrote Chief Matthew Stone.

Jimenez was sentenced to life in prison in 1982 for the murder charge in addition to larceny of a motor vehicle, which came with a three to five-year sentence.

Jimenez had applied for parole prior to this latest effort, but was denied in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019.

What Happened In 1981

Johnson was on patrol when the Natick Police Department reported the theft of a Camaro, and he spotted it.

The driver of the vehicle pulled it into a business parking lot on Washington Street and, when Johnson instructed the two men out of the vehicle, they both took off in opposite directions.

Johnson followed Jimenez and eventually caught up to him. The two struggled and, during the encounter, Jimenez gained possession of Johnson's firearm and shot him twice.

2022 Parole Hearing

State records show that Jimenez had a parole review hearing in Natick on March 29, 2022. The decision to release him on parole came more than a year later on July 31, 2023.

In deciding that Jimenez was "a suitable candidate for parole," the board said they considered factors such as the offense, the age of Jimenez at the time, his criminal and institutional record and his testimony at the parole hearing.

Jimenez was found to be a "low risk for recidivism" and "appears to have benefitted from rehabilitative programs," the decision said. Health concerns also appear to have been a factor, as the decision states that Jimenez "has significant health issues, including recent history of prostate cancer."

Jimenez was released with an approved home plan and curfew, as well as electronic monitoring. He may not use drugs or drink alcohol and is mandated to undergo mental health counseling for his adjustment back to everyday life.

Reaction

At the parole hearing in 2022 the idea of Jimenez's release faced opposition from multiple law enforcement officials and Johnson's wife, Gerry.

Then there was Stone's letter.

Stone also voiced opposition in 2022, and doubled down on the decision last week.

"The murder of Officer John Johnson was not an accident. It was not a mistake. And it was not a lapse in judgment by Rolando Jimenez," he said.

"No time in prison, no educational classes, and no rehabilitation program can undo what Rolando Jimenez did on that dreadful August evening more than 43 years ago."