25 years ago he shot his wife in the head. Parole board rules on 72-year-old Modestan

A 72-year-old former Modesto man who shot his wife in the head was denied parole this month for the fourth time since his 1998 conviction, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Deputy District Attorney Blythe Harris appeared on behalf of the people at the parole hearing at the California Men’s Colony state prison in San Luis Obispo.

Manuel DaSilva was convicted of murdering his wife, Rosa DaSilva, on July 5, 1992.

DaSilva hit his wife over the head with a rifle and then shot her in the head at point blank range. A witness heard the shots and saw DaSilva in his yard holding the firearm. He told the witness, “My wife, she’s no good. I kill this wife, she ruined my life.”

DaSilva pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison.

The board denied parole for three years finding that DaSilva continued to be a danger to the community and that he needed to continue his mental health treatment. The board also made findings that he lacked significant insight into his responsibility for the crime and failed to realize the tragic impact it has had on the victim’s family.

Under recent changes in the law, DaSilva is eligible for Elder Parole and also may be able to advance his next hearing date to as early as next year.

DaSilva is a Portuguese citizen and could be deported upon his release.

This story was originally published May 20, 2017 at 8:57 AM with the headline "25 years ago he shot his wife in the head. Parole board rules on 72-year-old Modestan."