Paul Bernardo Denied Parole for Third Time as Families Plead for Justice
Paul Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious criminals, has been denied parole for the third time following an emotional hearing at the La Macaza Institution in Quebec. The decision comes after heartfelt appeals from the families of his victims, Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, whose lives were brutally taken in the 1990s.
The Parole Board of Canada announced its decision on Tuesday, stating that Bernardo, now 60, remains a significant threat to public safety. “Although you have made progress, we are still placing a lot of weight on the clinical assessments and the seriousness of your criminal behaviour,” said panel member Tanya Nouwens. The board denied his requests for day parole, full parole, and temporary absences.
Victims’ Families Advocate for Continued Imprisonment
The families of French and Mahaffy expressed their ongoing grief and urged the board to keep Bernardo behind bars. Deborah Mahaffy, mother of Leslie, described Bernardo’s actions as “sadistic, manipulative, and psychopathic,” emphasizing the enduring pain inflicted on the families. “His loss of freedom cannot compare to the irreversible losses we’ve endured,” she said, fighting back tears.
Ryan Mahaffy, Leslie’s brother, shared how Bernardo’s crimes have haunted his family’s daily lives. “Even simple tasks, like using a power saw, trigger intrusive memories of what he did to my sister,” he said. His plea was clear: “That life sentence is not yet over.”
Kristen French’s mother, Donna, who could not attend in person, submitted a statement reflecting on the 11,680 days since her daughter’s death. “Each day without her is an agony for which there are no words,” she wrote, voicing fears for future potential victims.
A History of Violence and Public Outrage
Bernardo, designated a dangerous offender, is serving a life sentence for the abduction, sexual assault, and murders of French, 15, and Mahaffy, 14. He was also convicted of manslaughter in the death of his sister-in-law, Tammy Homolka. His former wife and accomplice, Karla Homolka, served 12 years for manslaughter in a controversial plea deal.
This parole hearing, like the two before it in 2018 and 2021, stirred public and political debate. Initially, the Parole Board planned to prevent families from delivering statements in person, citing security concerns. After public backlash, the board allowed them to confront Bernardo face-to-face.
Parole Board’s Firm Stance
The Correctional Service of Canada opposed Bernardo’s parole, citing his underestimation of the risk he poses despite behavioral improvements. During the hearing, Bernardo attempted to rationalize his past actions, claiming a “victim stance” from childhood neglect. The board rejected his reasoning, emphasizing his need for further accountability and self-awareness.
As Bernardo remains incarcerated at the medium-security La Macaza Institution, this decision highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and closure faced by his victims’ families. For them, the denial of his parole is a small reprieve from the lasting anguish of their loss.
Source : The Canadian Press
