Man who shot Woburn officer was paroled in '09

WOBURN, Mass. -- The man who shot and killed a Woburn Police officer on Sunday night had previously received three life sentences for a long list of violent crimes, but was released from prison in 2009.

Police say Domenic Cinelli was involved in a shootout with Officer John Maguire Sunday that left both men dead.

“I had so much darkness in my soul. I cared about nothing. I cared about no one,” said Cinelli back in 2008.

In late 2008, Domenic Cinelli sat before seven members of the state parole board and pleaded his case, telling them as a graying 55-year-old, he was no longer the smiling young man who once lived a life of crime to support his drug habit.

“I not only victimized the people I pointed a gun at, I also affected their friends and loved ones, as well as the public,” said Cinelli.

Despite his seven page arrest record, complete with three life sentences after being convicted of assaults, armed robberies and escapes, the parole board granted his release, and Cinelli was out in 2009.

“I don’t know how you can justify letting a guy like this out. He had three life sentences, a crime wave since he was 17,” said Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin.

Police say Cinelli returned to his criminal ways Sunday with a jewelry heist at the Woburn Kohl's during the height of a snowstorm that resulted in the fatal shootout.

“You’re a high risk. You, yourself have to realize that. Everyone knows that, but you have to realize that when you get out there, you are very, very high risk,” said one of the parole board members at the hearing.

Woburn's mayor said hearing those words intensified his anger.

“The parole board failed the city miserably,” said Mayor Galvin.

"There's a reasonable expectation on the part of people that three life sentences still means something," said Chief Terry Cunningham of the MA Police Chiefs Association

It was believed Cinelli would be closely monitored once released.

"For example, they wrote that he had strong family support, Cinelli, and a solid transition plan and that his release would not be incompatible with the welfare of society. Well, that came crashing down outside of Kohl's in a blizzard the other night," said Chief Cunningham.

State leaders have asked the parole board to review why they released Cinelli. A report should be ready within the next 10 days.

"We think that's necessary in order to maintain confidence in the parole board," said Chief Cunningham.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the wake for Maguire Thursday afternoon at the Dello Russo Funeral Home in Woburn. A funeral is scheduled for Friday.

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