Cape Breton men convicted in Mcdonald’s murders
DEREK WOOD
Often referred to as the ringleader in the group because the robbery was Wood’s idea. However, former journalist Phonse Jessome thinks otherwise. Jessome covered the horrific crime, investigation and court dates extensively, plus wrote a book about it called “Murder at Mcdonald’s: The Killers Next Door.” He believes Wood was the “weakest link” who caused the armed robbery to get so violent. Wood is the first one to confess and the first to be tried. He was also the only one to appeal, which he lost. Convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder plus other crimes, Wood was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 25 years. Although eligible for parole since 2017, Wood hasn’t been granted any type of leave. His application for day parole in 2015 was denied and the decision noted he was deemed a medium-to-high risk to re-offend “in a violent manner” from a psychological assessment.
DARREN MUISE
Believed to be living in British Columbia with his common-law partner. While in prison, he completed his GED and was allowed escorted leave starting in 2007, unescorted passes in 2009 and day parole in March 2011. Muise took a plea deal for the lesser charge of second-degree murder to be eligible for parole in 20 years instead of 25 years. Granted full parole in 2012 for good behaviour, the parole board decision concluded Muise has worked hard to rehabilitate himself. A psychological assessment deemed Music at low risk to re-offend. The report also says his antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic traits have softened over the years. As part of his parole, Muise is forbidden from having contact with the victims’ families, going to Sydney and consuming illicit drugs.
FREEMAN MACNEIL
The oldest of the three, retired journalist Phonse Jessome believes Macneil is the true leader of the group. Along with bringing the gun, many of the teenage population Jessome interviewed at the time indicated this. Like Wood, Macneil was sentenced to life for first-degree murder plus other crimes, with no chance for parole for 25 years. Eligible for day parole in 2014 and full parole in 2017, Macneil had his first escorted absence in 2016. In 2019, Macneil was allowed some unescorted leaves for “personal development,” which was stopped at some point. Cathy Burroughs, who attends all the parole hearings on behalf of her brother and the other victims, believes the unescorted leaves were withdrawn. She also said she’s been notified of an upcoming hearing regarding Macneil and leave or parole from prison.