"The stabbing occurred as Patterson - 23 years old at the time - and a group of friends were leaving a bar in Allston at closing time in 2009, according to the decision. Authorities said Patterson made a comment toward a woman who was with 24-year-old Gregory Phillips and others. When Patterson was told to leave her alone, a fight broke out between the two groups. During the altercation, Patterson approached Phillips with a knife and stabbed him in the chest, according to the decision."
"In granting parole, the board cited Patterson's sustained sobriety throughout his incarceration, his demonstrated insight into and accountability for the offense, and his educational investments, including earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University. The board also noted that Patterson has established community support and employment plans, and has worked with legislators on issues related to structural racism, which he intends to continue."
The stabbing occurred in 2009 outside an Allston bar as Patterson, 23, and friends left at closing time. Patterson made a comment toward a woman with 24-year-old Gregory Phillips, prompting a confrontation that escalated into a fight. During the altercation, Patterson approached Phillips and stabbed him in the chest; Phillips later died from his injuries. Police recovered the knife after Patterson retrieved it during a car ride and DNA testing linked blood on the weapon and Patterson's shoes to Phillips. Patterson was convicted of second-degree murder in 2012 and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. The Parole Board granted parole in January after 16 years, citing sustained sobriety, accountability, educational attainment, community support, employment plans, and ongoing legislative work on structural racism that he intends to continue.
Read at Boston.com
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