Burgos was a 19-year-old "enforcer" in a Springfield gang in 1994 when he ordered the killing of 22-year-old Sylvia Ramirez, the board's ruling said.

He was convicted two years later of accessory before the fact to murder, receiving a sentence of life without parole, officials said.

But he became eligible to seek release last year following a ruling from the state's highest court that struck down life terms without a chance at parole for defendants aged 18 to 20 at the time of their crimes.

At the time of the murder, Burgos had voiced a desire to be promoted in the gang hierarchy to the rank of "chief warlord," which he said would require him to "hit five people."

Burgos met with members of his group the day before the killing, discussing the "mission" and assigning roles, the ruling said.

"Mr. Burgos suggested the mission take place at Ms. Ramirez's home, stating that as 'godmother' of [a rival group], she 'had to die,'" the ruling said.

The following day, three of Burgos's associates carried out the fatal drive-by, shooting Ramirez in the head as she sat on her front steps with friends. She later died of a brain injury.

The ruling did not identify the assailants in the car.

It did say, however, that Burgos has made strides during his 31 years behind bars, having renounced his gang affiliation soon after starting his life bid.

"He is currently participating in Violence Reduction programming," the ruling said. "He has completed Victim Offender Education Group, Family Violence Education Group, Alternatives to Violence, and Restorative Justice Retreat."

He's also maintained employment while incarcerated, the ruling said.

The board said it heard testimony in favor of parole from Burgos's supporters during his May hearing, as well as testimony in opposition from Ramirez's relatives and Assistant Hampden District Attorney Carmel Motherway.

"The Board concludes by unanimous decision that Mr. Burgos has demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society," the ruling said.

Once Burgos is freed, he'll have to abide by several conditions including submitting to electronic monitoring for at least six months, staying off drugs and alcohol, and participating in mental health counseling, according to the ruling.