Massive man killed woman after breakup. After 33 years he was released on parole.

A Massachusetts man couldn’t bear the breakup, so he took his ex-girlfriend’s life.

Steven Woodworth was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 1992 for the murder of Julie Harlow after she broke up with her.

But after 33 years behind bars, where he completed several rehabilitation therapies, Woodworth, 59, was released on parole on Tuesday. the Massachusetts Parole Board announced.

Woodworth was released on parole after six months in a lower security prison, the parole board said.

As part of his parole, he is subject to a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the parole board said. He will also have to submit to other conditions, including electronic interrogation, drug and alcohol testing and not contacting Harlow’s family.

Harlow, 22, broke up with Woodworth, who was 25 at the time, on March 21, 1991, the parole board said.

Unwilling to accept the breakup, Woodworth convinced Harlow to ride with him and talk, the parole board said.

Anger, resentment and feelings of abandonment rose to the surface and he thought, “If I can’t have her, neither can anyone else,” he told a parole board in 2021. Then he thought, ‘I’m going to kill Julie. ‘, and put a gun in his truck.

After picking her up in Whitman around 9 p.m., he drove her around to discuss their relationship.

Once Woodworth realized Harlow wouldn’t change his mind about the breakup, he shot her several times, the parole board said. He then drove for hours through southeastern Massachusetts with her body next to him.

The next morning, around 5:30 a.m., Woodworth pulled into his parents’ driveway in Easton. He then drank paint thinner before shooting himself in the chest, the parole board said.

Woodworth’s father heard the shot in his home and went outside, the parole board said. When he saw his son in the truck with Harlow’s body, he called 911.

Woodworth was taken to a hospital and Harlow was pronounced dead.

Woodworth pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Bristol Superior Court on March 19, 1992.

He was denied parole in 2006, 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2021.

During his final hearing, Woodworth spoke about his abandonment issues, the parole board said. He described how being put up for adoption by his birth mother caused him to become “clingy,” possessive and controlling in relationships. Nevertheless, Woodworth admitted that his behavior was offensive.

Woodworth’s family testified in 2021 in support of his parole. Ultimately, the board rejected his application.

Since the last hearing, Woodworth has completed several rehabilitation programs, including one on domestic violence and another on family relationships.

The board also noted other areas for improvement, such as Woodworth’s use of medications. He has also only had two disciplinary reports in 33 years.