Barry Massey, who killed at 13, may go free

QUICK FACTS:

• Pierce County man who killed at 13 could be released next year.
• He's 41 now. Was convicted in 1988 at age 14.
• Victim was Paul Wang, killed at the Steilacoom Marina
• In 2012, U.S. Supreme Court ruled juvenile life sentences were unconstitutional
• Massey was youngest in Washington convicted of aggravated first-degree murder

TACOMA, Wash. — A Pierce County man who was sentenced to life in prison at age 14 after killing a Steilacoom marina owner will be eligible for parole in February.

A series of legal changes paved the way for the release of Barry Massey, who killed Paul Wang during a robbery at the Steilacoom Marina on Jan. 10, 1987.

Massey was 13 when he killed Wang, and, at the time of his conviction, was the youngest person in state history to be convicted for aggravated first-degree murder.

Massey is eligible for parole after a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision involving cases where juveniles received automatic life sentences. The court ruled such sentences were unconstitutional, because they constituted cruel and unusual punishment.

Wang was shot with a .32 caliber pistol, because he hesitated while opening his cash register. He was shot again as a bell went off as the cash register opened, according to a 1987 KIRO report. Wang was also stabbed several times.

Shirley Wang, the widow of victim Paul Wang, wrote a letter to the Pierce County Superior Court last year, describing her ongoing pain at the loss of her husband.

Massey was one of two teenage boys arrested for the murder. He and another teen, Michael Harris, took cash, candy, gum, fishing poles and several lighters, according to archive news account.

Harris was 15 years old during the killing.

Police setup roadblocks and a police search dog caught up to one of the boys after he was stopped there. Investigators said they went back after committing the crime.

Washington's Indeterminate Sentence Review Board announced Thursday that Massey, now 41, completed a series of inmate classes about behavior, problem solving and social skills.

Massey also must submit a release plan that is acceptable to the state Department of Corrections, including where he will live.

The board determined Massey is not likely to commit more crimes if set free.

"We're grateful for the board's faith in Barry," said Maureen Devlin, one of the attorneys who represents Massey. "It is not misplaced."

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist said he sympathized with Wang's family, who are still dealing with their loss.

"I hope Mr. Massey uses this second chance to become a productive member of society," he said.

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Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.

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Cox Media Group