Prosecutors asked for 8 to 10 years in state prison. The judge imposed a state prison sentence of three years and one month, plus a commitment to the Department of Youth Services until age 21, and the Essex District Attorney’s office says the 15-year-old is not expected to serve any time in state prison.
The boy, identified here by his initials, A.M., was 14 when he shot his then-girlfriend, who was 15, in the head on Simon Street in Beverly on October 11, 2025. He pleaded guilty Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Salem Juvenile Court, Boston.com and Fall River Reporter reported, citing District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office. Here is how a sentence can include prison time that is not expected to be served, and the Massachusetts law that made it possible.
The case
- The charges. A.M., of Salem, pleaded guilty to armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and carrying a firearm without a license, both outlets reported.
- Youthful offender. He was indicted as a youthful offender on December 18, 2025, according to the DA’s office, as reported by Fall River Reporter.
- The prosecution’s ask. The Commonwealth recommended 8 to 10 years in state prison on the armed assault with intent to murder charge, five years of probation afterward, and a DYS commitment until 18, Fall River Reporter reported.
- The sentence. The judge imposed three years and one month to three years, one month and one day in state prison, along with a DYS commitment until age 21. “Given the DYS commitment,” he is not expected to serve any time in state prison, the DA’s office said, according to Fall River Reporter.
- The DA. “Given the seriousness of this offense and the devastating lifelong injuries suffered by the victim, we sought a substantial state prison sentence,” Tucker said, both outlets reported.
What the victim told the court
“The crime did not just affect me on the day I was shot; it affects me every single day,” she said in her impact statement, according to the DA’s office. “I lost my health, my sense of safety, and the life I was supposed to have. My family has suffered too, watching me fight for my life and helping me through every step of my recovery. Every day is a reminder of how this crime changed my life forever.” She told the court she has suffered severe permanent injuries, Fall River Reporter reported.
What a “youthful offender” is
We read Chapter 119 of the General Laws at malegislature.gov.
- Who can be indicted. Under G.L. c. 119, § 54, prosecutors may proceed by indictment against someone who was between 14 and 18 at the time of an offense that would be punishable by state prison for an adult, if the person was previously committed to DYS, or “the offense involves the infliction or threat of serious bodily harm,” or it is one of several firearm offenses.
- Still in juvenile court. The case stays in the Juvenile Court, but a youthful offender can receive an adult sentence.
- Murder is different. Under § 74, the Juvenile Court has no jurisdiction over a 14- to 17-year-old charged with first- or second-degree murder. Those cases go to adult court. This case was not charged as murder.
The three sentencing options
Under G.L. c. 119, § 58, once a child is adjudicated a youthful offender, the judge must make “a written finding, stating its reasons therefor,” that “the present and long-term public safety would be best protected by” one of three options:
| Option | What the statute says |
|---|---|
| (a) Adult sentence | “a sentence provided by law” |
| (b) Combination sentence | “a commitment to the department of youth services until he reaches the age of twenty-one, and an adult sentence to a house of correction or to the state prison.” The adult sentence “shall be suspended pending successful completion of a term of probation,” which includes completing the DYS commitment. |
| (c) DYS only | “a commitment to the department of youth services until he reaches the age of twenty-one” |
A sentence with both a state prison term and a DYS commitment to 21 matches the statute’s description of a combination sentence. Under a combination sentence, the person is “under the sole custody and control of the department of youth services” until discharged or age 21, then on probation, and the total sentence cannot exceed the adult maximum. The outlets did not report the terms of probation or how long it lasts.
What the judge must weigh
Before choosing, § 58 requires a sentencing recommendation hearing and a pre-sentence report from probation filed at least seven days before sentencing. The judge “shall consider, but not be limited to”:
- the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense;
- the victim impact statement;
- the youthful offender’s court and delinquency records, and whether past treatment worked;
- the services available through the juvenile justice system;
- “the youthful offender’s age and maturity”; and
- “the likelihood of avoiding future criminal conduct.”
The judge’s written findings in this case were not reported.
Can he still go to prison?
Under the statute, the adult part of a combination sentence is suspended “pending successful completion of a term of probation.” If probation is not successfully completed, the suspended adult sentence is what remains. DYS custody cannot extend past age 21 under § 72(b).
Frequently asked questions
What is a youthful offender in Massachusetts?
Someone 14 to 17 at the time of a serious offense who is indicted in Juvenile Court under G.L. c. 119, § 54, and who can receive an adult sentence, a DYS commitment to 21, or a combination of the two.
What is a combination sentence?
Under G.L. c. 119, § 58(b), a DYS commitment until 21 plus an adult sentence that is suspended pending successful completion of probation.
Are 14-year-olds charged with murder tried as adults in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under G.L. c. 119, § 74, the Juvenile Court has no jurisdiction over someone 14 to 17 charged with first- or second-degree murder.
Why did the judge not impose the prosecutors’ recommendation?
The judge’s written findings were not reported. The statute requires the judge to choose the option that best protects present and long-term public safety, after weighing factors including age, maturity and the likelihood of avoiding future crime.
Sources: Boston.com and Fall River Reporter, November 14, 2026, citing the Essex District Attorney’s Office. G.L. c. 119, §§ 54, 58, 72 and 74, read at malegislature.gov. General information, not legal advice.