A Shafter man convicted of murder in the 2008 death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son has been granted parole.

Josue Herrera, 49, was serving a life term when parole was granted on Tuesday. The child was taken to Kern Medical in August 2008 suffering from skull fractures and bruising on his head, arms and legs. He died at Children’s Hospital in Madera.

The boy had been in Herrera’s care while his mother was at work. Hererra told police different stories about the boy’s injuries.

Parole won’t be final until it’s reviewed by Governor Newsom and an attorney with the Board of Parole Hearings.