The North Carolina Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission has announced it is reviewing the case of Donte M. Santiago for possible parole under the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP). Santiago was convicted of first-degree murder in Onslow County Superior Court and sentenced to life imprisonment on April 17, 2003.
MAPP is a program that involves an agreement between the Commission, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, and the offender. The program includes both scholastic and vocational components. Further details about MAPP can be found on the N.C. Department of Adult Correction website at https://www.dac.nc.gov/.
The Commission stated: “Information gathered during the investigation from persons for and against parole of the individual, as well as the facts of the case, will be considered by the Commission in making its decision. Upon completion of the investigation, the Commission will render its final decision and all required parties will be notified within 10 days of that decision.”
Current state sentencing laws known as Structured Sentencing have eliminated parole for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994. However, offenders sentenced under previous guidelines remain eligible for parole review.
Specific information regarding this case remains confidential. This includes victim information, letters received regarding parole opposition, and official records related to the crime.
For questions about the parole process, individuals are encouraged to contact the Commission at (919) 716-3010.
