Topsfield Man Serving Life For Family's Murder Goes Before Parole Board

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- A Topsfield man serving life in prison for the murder of his mother, father, and sister appeared before the state parole board Thursday.

Alfred Brown was 15 when he committed the crimes.

Brown matter-of-factly told the parole board how he shot his father in the garage of their home in 1978, all because he was afraid of how his dad would react over a failing grade.

"I raised the rifle toward him," he said. "He saw the rifle, and he said 'No' to me. I shot at him at least twice."

Brown admits he had no remorse after shooting his family, and still suffers from a personality disorder--but argues he's made great strides over the years at overcoming his lack of empathy.

"I've been involved in mental health counseling since 2000," he said. "I've done a lot of programs."

But original trial prosecutor John Doherty isn't buying it. He says authorities found a hit list in Brown's jail cell years ago with Doherty's name on it.

"Alfred Brown scares me," Doherty said.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports


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