NJ man jailed for 1981 murder wins release from outgoing governor

A Newark man who has long said he’s innocent of the 1981 murder he was convicted of is getting out of jail early thanks to now-former Gov. Phil Murphy.

By: Dana DiFilippo

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: January 20, 2026

Words: 1,198

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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Darren Boykins has been in prison for 45 years despite being eligible for parole for nearly half that time — and despite his steadfast claim that he did not commit the 1981 murder that landed him behind bars.

Tuesday, he learned he’ll finally be free, after outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy commuted his sentence six weeks before his next parole eligibility date.

Boykins was one of 148 people Murphy granted clemency to …

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