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Thomas Koonce's life sentence in shooting of New Bedford man was commuted by Gov. Baker on Wednesday making him eligible for parole.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today via press release that Governor Baker has commuted the first-degree murder sentences of Thomas Koonce and William Allen to second-degree murder.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today via press release that Governor Baker has commuted the first-degree murder sentences of Thomas Koonce and William Allen to second-degree murder.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today via press release that Governor Baker has commuted the first-degree murder sentences of Thomas Koonce and William Allen to second-degree murder.

In its first decision on a commutation petition in almost seven years, the Massachusetts Parole Board recommended commuting the life in prison sentence of Thomas Koonce. The decision was unanimous. The board cited Koonce's commitment to self improvement and self development while he was incarcerated and the level of support expressed in letters and during his commutation hearing in October. The parole board said that Koonce has been incarcerated for 28 years for "a single act of violence." In support of its decision, the board cited the numerous programs Koonce has been involved with in priso...