Former Middleboro corrections officer denied parole in killing

MIDDLEBORO — Parole was denied for a former corrections officer from Middleboro convicted in the death of a man found badly burned and stabbed multiple times 

Darren Caswell, 60, was charged for his role in the 2003 murder of Matthew Cote and was found guilty of second-degree murder in Plymouth County Superior Court in December 2011. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.

Investigators determined Cote, then 26 and a Middleboro High School graduate, was stabbed to death over a debt to Caswell’s cousin, according to information provided by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office.

Cote’s body was discovered days later in the rear seat of his pickup truck in a remote area in Carver. Both the victim and his truck were severely burned, according to the district attorney’s office.  

The Massachusetts Parole Board denied parole for Caswell Jan. 30, following a parole hearing in August.

Three letters from Cote’s family were read into the record opposing parole. Plymouth County assistant district attorney Karen Palumbo testified in opposition of parole, according to the official decision.

Caswell’s brother and three friends spoke in favor of parole. 

Parole Board members argued that Caswell “appeared to have minimized his involvement in the offense, as well as minimize his addiction at the time of his offense and how that related to his participation,’’ according to the official decision. “The board also noted that he had been a corrections officer for 23 years and as an employee in a public safety position should be held to a higher standard.’’

The board recommended that Caswell “engage in programming or self-development to address victim empathy, as well as acceptance and accountability for his actions.’’

Board members acknowledged "his positive institutional adjustment, years of sobriety and support system. The board however is of the opinion he has more work to do.’’

Caswell will next be up for parole in 2026.