LYNN — A Lynn man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for killing his 80-year-old mother inside their shared home.
Alfredo Paratore, 53, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Essex County Superior Court on Thursday, June 12, 2025, according to a statement from Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office. He admitted to fatally attacking his mother, Katherine Paratore, on the night of June 11, 2021. The incident took place inside their home on Jenness Street in Lynn.
According to court documents obtained by NBC Boston, Alfredo Paratore called police on the night of June 11, 2021, stating he had found his mother on the floor and believed she was dead. When officers arrived at the Lynn residence, they reported that Paratore appeared nervous and had difficulty recalling the last time he spoke with his mother or who had last seen her. He told officers he had just returned home and discovered her body.
Police discovered Katherine Paratore’s body positioned against the wall just inside the doorway of the home, noting that it appeared to have been there for “some time.” Investigators stated that she was shirtless and that some of her internal organs were on the welcome mat near the entryway.
Katherine’s body showed signs of extensive trauma, including lacerations near the right collarbone and on the right hand, as well as widespread bruising on both arms, her neck, and head. Her dentures were found on the floor next to her head.
Crime scene investigators documented blood spatter on the walls, along with dried blood and bloody handprints throughout the area.
Officers also noted scratches on Alfredo Paratore’s cheek and ear and dried blood on his left hand. He reportedly told police he had taken Suboxone about 15 minutes prior. Officers administered Narcan after he showed signs of overdose, and he was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital for further evaluation.
According to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, during Thursday’s sentencing hearing, family members delivered emotional victim impact statements, stating that Katherine Paratore “should be remembered for the caring and dependable person that she was in life.” Prosecutor Kate MacDougall said the guilty plea spared them the pain of a drawn-out trial.
Judge William Bloomer imposed the life sentence. The defendant was represented by attorney John Morris. Mikki DeFeo served as victim/witness advocate for the Paratore family.
