Man previously released on parole concerning New Bedford $20 dispute that led to murder, denied parole

A guy convicted of a murder in New Beford who had previously been free has been granted parole.

The Parole Board claims that in the fall of 2002, Matthew Silva borrowed $20 from Justin Gaouette, then 19 years old, in New Bedford and agreed to assist Gaouette in installing a radio in his car. Gaouette no longer wanted the stereo after his car was in an accident in November 2022. Instead, he wanted his money returned. When Silva failed to pay back the loan, tensions between the two men increased. Gaouette bought a firearm between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2002. The two men were still at odds with one another. When Gaouette realized Silva had no intention of repaying the loan, he threatened to fight him, which worsened the situation on New Year’s Eve. Tensions escalated on New Year’s Day 2003 after a near-fight the day before, when a discussion between the men’s girlfriends over the day before turned sour. Gaouette made several threats to fight Silva, which were communicated to him directly as well as through his girlfriend.

Gaouette pulled out a newly acquired.38 caliber revolver and loaded it with six rounds. He drove to face Silva with his girlfriend. Silva was accompanied by his two brothers, David Silva and several of their friends. Gaouette had barely arrived when Matthew Silva entered the house. He came out and hurried over to Gaouette’s car with a baseball bat, shattering the window with it. After pulling out his gun, Gaouette fired three shots, one of which hit David Silva and one of which hit Matthew Silva in the elbow. David Silva was declared deceased at the hospital after collapsing on the pavement. Gaouette pulled the trigger and drove off. After being stopped by the police, he gave admissional comments.

After a jury trial in Bristol Superior Court, Gaouette was convicted by a jury on February 6, 2004, of second-degree murder in connection with David Silva’s shooting death. He received a life sentence with the prospect of release. He received concurrent sentences of 8–12 years for receiving stolen property, 4-5 years for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, 4-5 years for unlawfully possessing a firearm, and 4-5 years for armed assault with intent to murder. A charge of illegally possessing ammunition without a valid ID card was also submitted.

After a preliminary hearing in 2017, parole was rejected. Parole was awarded to a Long-Term Residential Program or Community Resources for Justice-Transitional Housing following a review hearing in 2019, but only after completing a full year of lower security and Restorative Justice. On March 24, 2021, Gaouette was released to parole supervision; however, in January 2024, his parole was revoked.

Gaouette was sent to custody for multiple parole violations and appeared before the Board for a review hearing. On March 24, 2021, Gaouette was released to CRJ on parole. He worked at a number of positions after completing CRJ. According to the Board, Gaouette had some minor adjustment challenges, but after getting into an unpleasant relationship, she seemed to decompensate. His ex-girlfriend became pregnant quite shortly. During his hearing, Gaouette was open and honest about his irresponsible behavior, domestic abuse, and emotional exhaustion. Gaouette also admitted that he was not being open and truthful with parole and that he was not using his counseling. The Board was concerned about his increasing impulsivity, behavioral dysregulation, and escalating behavior.

In order to address healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and anger management, the Board suggested that Gaouette seek mental health assistance and programming. In order to ascertain if Gaouette need more intense or specialized mental health services, the Board recommended that he be evaluated by For Health Consulting.

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