Man who had role in death of police informant deported to Portugal

A 49-year-old man convicted in 1987 of helping to kill a Winnipeg police informant has been deported from Canada.

A native of Portugal, Jose Correia was one of four men arrested in the drug-related shooting death of Robert Nieman, 22. On Monday, officials with the Canada Border Services Agency said Correia had been deported on May 20.

Nieman was ambushed and shot three times in the face in September 1986.

Robert Dunkley, Jim Luzny, and Frank Ostrowski were also charged in the slaying.

Dunkley was convicted of pulling the trigger while Luzny was accused of giving the gun to him. Luzny was acquitted when Dunkley refused to testify against him. Ostrowski was convicted of first-degree murder for ordering Nieman's execution.

Correia admitted to driving the car to the scene and helping tie up Nieman's roommate, but claimed he didn't know Nieman was going to be shot.

Correia was convicted of first-degree murder in 1987 but applied for early parole through the so-called faint-hope clause. He was granted a hearing last June and on April 16, Correia was granted his wish on the condition he be released to immigration officials and immediately sent back to Portugal as soon as a flight could be arranged.

Correia, who has lived in Winnipeg since he was 20 but never become a Canadian citizen, remained behind bars while the arrangements were being made.

He cannot return to Canada without first reporting to authorities.