Day parole granted to man convicted of Sydney River McDonald murders

One of the men involved in the brutal 1992 McDonald’s murders in Sydney River, Nova Scotia has been granted day parole.

Freeman McNeil, who was 21 at the time, is serving a life sentence for his role in the murder of three employees and the serious injury of another in a fast food robbery.

He was convicted of first degree murder, second degree murder, forcible confinement and robbery.

In a recent decision, the Parole Board of Canada said McNeil had a low to moderate likelihood of committing another violent crime.

He has reintegrated into society, being allowed out of prison on unescorted day trips once a month for the past three years.

According to the decision, McNeil got away with « just $2,000 » but played « a crucial role » in the incident by providing a handgun, the escape vehicle, a rope and a club, although McNeil denies supplying a weapon or knowing any of his accomplices carried one.

Social success perceived as positive

The board also said McNeil had received professional counseling during his prison term, but had « not had significant periods of psychological counselling ».

However, he says the psychologist views McNeil’s chances of social success as positive.

The board granted him a six-month day parole, with conditions that include staying out of Nova Scotia. The board does not disclose the location of parolees.

Earlier this year Derek Anthony Wood, described as the mastermind of the plot to rob McDonald’s on May 7, 1992, was denied parole after the commission decided he was too high a risk to re-offend.

According to court records, Wood shot and killed restaurant workers Neil Burroughs, 29; James Fagan, 27; and Donna Warren, 22.

A fourth employee, 20-year-old Arlene MacNeil, was shot in the head and left severely disabled. She passed away in 2018.

The third accomplice to the crime, Darren Muise, was granted full parole 10 years ago.

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