NewsBite

Convicted killer Matthew De Gruchy could soon be released from prison

Matthew De Gruchy fronted a private parole hearing at Parramatta Court on Thursday, June 6 after the State Parole Authority formed “an intention to grant parole” last month.

Matthew De Gruchy in prison awaiting trial for the murdering his mother Jennie, brother Adrian and sister Sarah at their Albion Park home on South Coast.
Matthew De Gruchy in prison awaiting trial for the murdering his mother Jennie, brother Adrian and sister Sarah at their Albion Park home on South Coast.

He wiped out most of his own family without any explanation, killing them so brutally they resembled plane crash victims.

Now one of Australia’s most violent murderers, Matthew De Gruchy, could be back on the streets.

De Gruchy fronted a private parole hearing at Parramatta Court on Thursday, June 6 after the State Parole Authority formed “an intention to grant parole” last month.

De Gruchy was just 18-years-old when he bludgeoned his mother, sister and brother to death in their Albion Park home in March, 1996, sending shockwaves through the community.

He was arrested three months later for the crimes, but has always denied any involvement, insisting he was at his girlfriend’s place and found the bodies when he returned home.

But the jury disagreed, and De Gruchy was sentenced to 28 years behind bars.

The De Gruchy family, Wayne, Jenny, Adrian, Matthew and Sarah. Jenny, Adrian and Sarah were brutally murdered in their home in 1996.
The De Gruchy family, Wayne, Jenny, Adrian, Matthew and Sarah. Jenny, Adrian and Sarah were brutally murdered in their home in 1996.

The murder weapon was never found but was thought to be a car jack or similar.

His mother Jennifer’s body was found in her bedroom, his 13-year-old sister Sarah’s in her bed and his brother Adrian, 15, outside in a shed.

Their injuries were so violent that pathologists later said they looked like plane crash victims.

Jennifer’s injuries were particularly horrific, with her brain almost forced from her head.

Now 41-years-old, De Gruchy has spent almost 23 years behind bars, but that could very soon change.

While his full sentence expires in 2024, he was eligible for parole in 2017 but was refused, and ordered to undertake more programs in prison.

During his appearance at Parramatta Court on Thursday, a five-member panel heard the reasons as to why De Gruchy should be granted parole.

Their decision on whether he will be released from custody will be revealed to the public at a date yet to be fixed.

IN OTHER NEWS

Fast News: Today's top stories

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/illawarra-star/convicted-killer-matthew-de-gruchy-could-soon-be-back-on-the-streets/news-story/f0f0f510a4e102af55ef3143897e56e9