Man granted parole for his role in the 2001 stabbing deaths of 2 Dartmouth professors

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A man who has served more than half of his life in prison for his role in the 2001 stabbing deaths of two married Dartmouth College professors as part of a plan to rob and kill people before fleeing overseas was granted parole Thursday.

James Parker was 16 when he was part of a conspiracy with his best friend that resulted in the deaths of Half and Susanne Zantop in Hanover, New Hampshire. Now just shy of 40, he appeared before the state parole board, years after pleading guilty to being an accomplice to second-degree murder and serving nearly the minimum term of his 25-years-to-life sentence.

He could be released as early as May. “I think it’s unimaginably horrible,” Parker said during the parole hearing when asked by a board member what he thought of what he did. ”I know there’s not an amount of time or things that I can do to change it, or alleviate any pain that I’ve caused.” When asked what he had to say to family and friends of the victims, he said, “I’m just deeply sorry.”

His lawyer and Department of Corrections staff said he has taken many steps through the years to rehabilitate himself and make life better for fellow inmates, and parole board member Ronald Bessette noted he had a “stellar” disciplinary record and has worked with nonprofit groups on art projects. Parker earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in prison and created paintings that are displayed in the building. He’s been a part of theatrical, musical and sports activities and has helped develop inmate education guides.