The Massachusetts Parole Board has refused to release Frank Lanza, who was convicted of murdering James Paradis in a Lynn apartment building in 1987 when Paradis went to the aid of a woman Lanza had terrorized during a robbery ­attempt.

Essex District Attorney ­Jonathan W. Blodgett applauded the decision, which means Lanza will not have a chance to seek a release from state prison for another five years. The seven-­member board voted unanimously against paroling Lanza, who is serving a life sentence with the possibility of ­parole after 15 years.