Inmate released early due to COVID-19 arrested for attacking woman on trail

EVERETT, Wash. (KCPQ) -- A convicted felon released early from prison because of COVID-19 concerns is back behind bars, accused in a terrifying attack on a woman in Everett.

A woman in her 60s was taking a break from hiking on a trail Friday when police say 33-year-old Matthew Cory came up from behind her and started choking her.

TRUE CRIME DAILY: Coronavirus-related crime coverage - TCD

According to court documents, the victim said she managed to loosen his grip and scream loud enough that he ran off. Police found Cory running through the woods, and the victim positively identified him as her attacker.

Cory told investigators he'd been using meth for two weeks, hadn't slept in seven days, and didn't remember attacking the woman. Cory's criminal record lists 11 arrests, seven felony convictions and two misdemeanors. When he was given early release this month, he'd been serving time for unlawful possession of a firearm. His new charges were not immediately released.

Though it's an isolated case, law enforcement sources tell Q13 News a handful of inmates released early have gone off the grid and disappeared.