Former Quebec cardiologist Guy Turcotte, who is serving a life sentence for the 2009 stabbing deaths of his two young children, is appearing before the Parole Board of Canada as he seeks permission for temporary escorted absences from prison.
Turcotte was convicted in his second trial in 2015 of the second-degree murders of his children, Olivier, 5, and Anne-Sophie, 3. He was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 17 years. The conviction was upheld by the Quebec Court of Appeal in 2018.
The hearing concerns a request for escorted temporary absences, which allow an incarcerated person to leave a correctional institution for a limited period while accompanied by a Correctional Service Canada employee or an authorized community volunteer.
Turcotte was originally found not criminally responsible for the killings in 2011. That decision was later overturned on appeal, leading to a new trial and his subsequent conviction.
The circumstances surrounding the requested absences have not been publicly detailed. The Parole Board can approve or deny the request, postpone the hearing or decline to make a decision at that time.
The board has also indicated that the decision and its reasons may not be publicly available through the usual decision-record process because of the specific legal circumstances surrounding the hearing. A spokesperson said the decision could instead be delivered orally at the end of the hearing.
Turcotte’s case has remained one of Quebec’s most closely followed criminal cases, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his children and the legal proceedings that followed the initial finding of not criminally responsible.
The parole hearing does not amount to a release from his life sentence. It is specifically related to whether he may be permitted to leave prison temporarily under escort.
Turcotte may become eligible to apply for parole in 2028, following the completion of the 17-year period before parole eligibility imposed as part of his life sentence.
The hearing is expected to draw continued attention as the Parole Board considers the request and determines whether any temporary escorted absences should be granted.
Swifteradio.com
