Newton Teen Catches Break in Waltham Murder Case

A judge has ruled out sentencing the alleged killer of a Waltham man to life in prison without parole, according to court documents. 

Bejamin Peirce, 18, of Newton, is facing murder charges for his role in the killing of Adam Coveney in the fall of 2010. Jury selection for his trial

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman, in a written ruling dated Nov. 7, ruled that only life in prison with the possibility of parole can be imposed on Peirce, if he is convicted of murder.

Massachusetts state law requires anybody convicted of first degree murder receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, a federal Supreme Court ruling requires convicts be 18 at the time of crime to receive such a sentence. Peirce was 17 at the time of the murder. 

Tuttman denied Peirce's motion to have the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court answer questions relating to the federal Supreme Court Ruling. 

Shaquan Jacobs, of Newton, has already been sentenced to life in prison with the chance for parole for his role in the murder while Daniel Louis, of West Roxbury, was found guilty to life in prison without parole.

For a full copy of the opinion, click on the PDF in the photo box to the right.