My name is Harold J. Parker. I am a Black man who has been incarcerated for 23 years. While in my twenties, I was working and taking classes at Roxbury Community College, trying to build a good life as a former foster child with no family or support. Because I felt very alone, I ended up spending time with the wrong people and struggling to live the life I truly wanted. During that time, I was a witness to a murder. Because I was nearby, I was convicted of first-degree murder under the Joint Venture theory with LWOP. I received a death sentence for murder under joint venture, but not as a participant, look-out, or a get-away driver, but  because of my mere presence near the scene. Very regretfully and tragically, when I tried to stop this horrific act, my life was also threatened, and at that point I felt helpless, as I knew the threat was very real. With all of my heart, I regret this senseless loss of life, and not feeling at that moment that I had any power to stop it in some way. I have never been a gang member, a violent person or condoned any violence, and never will be. Yet as the Commonwealth built a case against me, they used a sweatshirt that did not belong to me as evidence that did not contain my DNA. In summary, it is with the deepest empathy and a strong compassion that I wish that no one lost their life. This memory has haunted me for all of these years and will for the rest of my life.

While incarcerated, I have spent all of my time taking classes on my tablet, working in janitorial, culinary, and now industries. I patiently hope for entrance into the culinary or barber school program.

I am a quiet person who stays away from any negativity; and now, I am looking for a second chance to be released and be a productive member of society. I thank you for considering supporting my release in any way.

Harold J. Parker, 2025