Parole denied after New Bedford love triangle led to murder of 34-year-old

A local man has been denied parole after officials say he was convicted in a love triangle that led to murder.

According to the Parole Board, on October 20, 2010, 22-year-old Jonathan Niemic stabbed and killed 34-year-old Michael Correia in New Bedford. In the summer of that year, Niemic was dating a woman he later learned had simultaneously begun a romantic relationship with Correia. Niemic was told that Correia had been bragging about taking his girlfriend. Niemic was reported to have been “looking for” Correia, stating that he would punch him when he saw him. On the evening of October 20, 2010, Niemic, his girlfriend, and several friends went to an AA meeting being held in New Bedford, where there were between 70 and 120 people in attendance. At around 7:30 p.m. there was a break in the meeting. Many of the meeting participants were heading outside when a friend of Niemic’s pointed out that Correia was there. 

Niemic approached Correia, indicating that he wanted to talk. Niemic’s girlfriend appeared to try to “pull him back” from talking to Correia. Niemic walked over, however, and stated, “I’ve been hearing some things. I feel disrespected.” When Correia asked what he had heard, Niemic began punching him (aiming at his head). Correia attempted to ward off the blows. After Niemic lunged at him four to five times, Correia ran into the building. Niemic followed. About twenty seconds later, Niemic ran out of the building and into the vehicle he had arrived in. 

Emergency medical technicians arrived within a few minutes and transported Correia, who had lost consciousness, to the hospital where physicians attempted emergency surgery. Efforts to revive Correia were unsuccessful. Correia was determined to have suffered five stab wounds, any of which could have been fatal. 

On June 1, 2012, following a jury trial in Bristol Superior Court, Niemic was convicted of murder in the first degree for the death of Correia. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On September 17, 2015, following an appeal, Niemic’s guilty verdict was vacated and set aside. On September 30, 2016, following a jury trial in Bristol Superior Court, Niemic was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On November 19, 2019, following a second appeal, Niemic’s guilty verdict was set aside and the Commonwealth moved to have another jury trial. On October 23, 2023, following a jury trial in Bristol Superior Court, Niemic was convicted of murder in the second degree and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

In citing their reasons for not granting parole, the Board noted that they had significant concerns regarding Niemic’s continued threatening conduct while incarcerated. “He continues to receive disciplinary reports. Niemic has made minimal investments in rehabilitative programming, and his work history has been inconsistent. The Board finds that Niemic would benefit from a forensic evaluation so the Board may consider his need areas and possible supervision and programming needs in the future and assist the Board.”

The Board considered opposition testimony from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, as well as from three of Correia’s family members. The Board concluded that Niemic has not demonstrated a level of rehabilitation that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society.