A Massachusetts man convicted of killing another man in 2010 because the two were dating the same woman was denied parole at the end of January.
Jonathan Niemic has been serving a life sentence in prison since his conviction of first-degree murder on June 1, 2012, according to a Massachusetts Parole Board decision dated Jan. 20.
However, following two separate appeals in 2015 and 2019, Niemic ended up with a second-degree murder conviction, sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
At the age of 22, Niemic killed a man named Michael Correia on Oct. 20, 2010. Niemic had been dating a woman during the summer that year and later found out Correia was dating her at the same time, “bragging about taking his girlfriend,” according to the Board.
Niemic went looking for Correia that night at an AA meeting in New Bedford with the girlfriend and several friends. He had previously said he wanted to punch Correia and waited for a break in the meeting.
Niemic then went up to Correia and said he wanted to talk, despite the girlfriend trying to “pull him back,” the Board said. Then, Niemic said, “I’ve been hearing some things. I feel disrespected.”
After Correia asked what he had heard, Niemic started punching him. Correia tried to ward off the blows at first, but ran out of the building 20 seconds later and into his own car.
Correia was found unconscious minutes later by emergency medical technicians and brought to the hospital, where he later died.
Five stab wounds were found on his body, “any of which could have been fatal,” the Board said.
During his first appearance before the Board, members said they have “significant concerns” around Niemic’s “threatening conduct” while he has been incarcerated. He continues to receive disciplinary reports, has made minimal investments in rehabilitation programs and has an inconsistent work history.
The Board recommended Niemic undergo a forensic evaluation so members may find his areas of need, along with his possible future needs for supervision and programs.
Members heard testimony in opposition from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, three of Correia’s family members and concluded he has “not demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society.”
