The family of Cory Protos are refusing to accept the manslaughter conviction handed down to their son’s killer. Video / Star.Kiwi
She wrapped a computer cord around her boyfriend's neck three times and strangled him to death after subjecting him to a violent attack that spanned four hours because she thought he was spreading rumours about her.
Now, after spending more than six years in prison, Zariah Jae Samson is freeand living back in the community.
In May 2014, Cory James Protos, 30, was found dead at a Christchurch house.
However, after convincing the Parole Board she could be safely released early, Samson is now a free woman.
She walked out of prison on June 24 but will remain on strict conditions including GPS monitoring, a curfew for the first three months and other restrictions for the six that follow.
On April 26, 2014, Samson and Protos, originally from Ashburton, were at an address in Conference St, central Christchurch.
The couple had relocated to Western Australia and were on holiday in Thailand when their son died.
Samson last appeared before the Parole Board in April and concerns were raised about her "recent decisions" in prison.
"The first was her entering into a relationship with an inmate who was recalled," Parole Board panel convenor Martha Coleman said.
"The second was that she had used methamphetamine.
"Those instances aside, Ms Samson was not able to be seriously considered for parole at the last hearing as she had yet to develop a robust release proposal."
Samson appeared again on June 4 and presented an updated release proposal.
"Ms Samson said today that she felt this was really the only time where she was ready for parole and asked for the board to consider a short period of time on parole," Coleman said in the board's decision released this week.
"She said that she had never really tried before but had in recent times.
"She said that she has been behaving very well. She has been thinking about the consequences of her actions and importantly since taking medication she is processing things better."
Samson told the board that since starting the medication her outlook was "very different".
"In addition to medication she puts her change down to the time she has been in prison," Coleman said.
"Now she says that she is focused on her release and on herself and her children. She is in regular phone and AVL contact with all three children."
Cory James Protos was killed in Christchurch by his partner Zariah Samson. Photo / Supplied
Samson's principal Corrections' officer said she had been doing "very well" and the issues raised at her April hearing were "out of the ordinary for her".
Coleman said the board felt Samson could be released on parole - even though it was only a matter of two months before her sentenced ended and she would be freed regardless.
• To reside at an approved address and not move from that address unless she has prior written approval from a probation officer.
• For the first three months after her release to be at her approved address between the hours of 10pm and 6am daily.
• To submit to electronic monitoring as directed and to provide unimpeded access to her approved residence by a probation officer and/or representatives of the monitoring company.
• Not to enter locations defined by her probation officer.
• Not to have contact or otherwise associate, with any victim of her offending - including previous offending.
• To take any medication prescribed by a health professional and attend appointments with a mental health provider as directed.
