But was denied parole on June 30, with the Massachusetts Parole Board stating there were “concerns” following his statements at the hearing. Payne told the parole board that the programming offered through the state would not be beneficial for him “and self-improvement is not a need area,” the parole board wrote in its decision. On its Oct. 23 decision, the parole board said Edwards “appears to have benefitted” from the programs. For Watkins, the victims’ family members wrote a statement asking the parole board to not grant parole. Ultimately, the Massachusetts Parole Board granted Watkins parole after 90 days in lower security.