Dartmouth Mall murderer granted parole

A man sentenced to life in prison for the 1991 murder at the Dartmouth Mall parking lot will be released next year, according to a Jan. 18 decision from the Massachusetts Parole Board.

Charles Chase III was convicted in 1993 for second degree murder and larceny connected with the death of Albert Reneauld two years prior at the mall. According to the Parole Board, Chase and a co-defendant, Roy Farias, went to the Dartmouth Mall where Chase broke into a tool truck belonging to Renauld, jimmied the ignition and started the engine.

When Renauld emerged from the mall, he began to run toward the driver’s side door of his truck. Chase then drove directly toward him without slowing down. 

Renauld was hit in the chest and stomach by the door of the car and was thrown into the air. Prosecutors at the time said Chase left while Renauld remained lying on the ground.

As a result, Chase was convicted and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.

He was denied parole after his initial hearing in 2007 and after his review hearings in 2015 and 2020. Chase’s most recent appearance was Dec. 6, 2022.

In its Jan. 18 decision, the board says that Chase— now 56 years old — has shown "dramatically improved" behavior, and he has completed "significant programming" to help control his anger and impulsivity.

“The Board is of the opinion that Charles Chase is rehabilitated and, therefore, merits parole at this time,” the decision read.

Before he is released, Chase will be required to spend one year at a lower-security facility. Afterward, the terms of his parole call for drug and alcohol testing, electronic monitoring, and a ban on contact or association with any hate group or gang.