Convicted murderer granted unescorted prison releases
A Sydney Mines man who murdered his 17-year-old former girlfriend in 1997 has been granted four unescorted temporary absences by the National Parole Board.
Corey Christopher Tremblett is serving a life sentence for the second-degree murder of Melissa Ann MacNeil.
After an argument on May 11, 1997, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Tremblett, then age 20, beat and strangled MacNeil. Then, along with an accomplice, he took her body to a wooded area. Tremblett turned himself in to police the following day and told them where the body could be found.
MacNeil’s battered body was found in a field in the community of Florence.
Her parents had reported her missing when she failed to return to her home in nearby Sydney Mines. She was a Grade 12 student at Memorial High School.
The parole board’s Feb. 13 decision was based on file information and information gathered at a hearing.
Now 41, the decision notes that Tremblett’s criminal history began at an early age. He was raised by extended family members and suffered abandonment issues. Substance abuse is believed to have contributed to his violent tendencies.
“The board believes that given the correct structure and monitoring you have demonstrated the ability to abide by conditions and meet expectations during brief absences from the institution,” the decision states.
Tremblett has previously been authorized for escorted temporary absences for family contact, personal development and a sixmonth work release. No issues were reported and they were all considered to be successful, except for one family contact absence in 2013 where he experienced “emotional turmoil” which resulted in a return to substance abuse and a transfer to higher security.
The decision notes Tremblett’s reintegration potential is medium while his risk of future violence against an intimate partner is high.
“You committed your serious current offence against an intimate partner,” the decision states. “You were also displaying controlling behaviour, jealousy and aggressiveness in this relationship. As a result, all relationships/friendships with females must be monitored to prevent future victimization.”
While incarcerated Tremblett has taken part in programs in areas including family violence, substance abuse, anger management, as well as occupational training.
His most recent psychological risk assessment completed in December 2016 found his risk of violent recidivism to be moderate and recommended any future relationships be closely monitored.
The unescorted temporary absences are intended for visits to a community-based residential facility where Tremblett will be supervised by a parole officer. It is part of a plan to work toward possible future day parole release.
Each absence would last 72 hours. The special conditions placed on the releases are that Tremblett not associate with anyone involved in criminal activity, that all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with women be reported to his parole supervisor, and that he not consume drugs.