This text discusses the parole status of Kelly Ellard, who was convicted of the murder of Reena Virk. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Context: The article mentions a new miniseries, “Under the Bridge,” based on the book of the same name, which is bringing renewed attention to the 1997 murder of Reena Virk. Lily Gladstone is a nominee associated with this.
Kelly Ellard’s History:
She has a “troubled history before the parole board.”
She was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999.
Her conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2009 after three trials.
She was released on day parole in 2018.
Parole Violations and Recidivism:
As her 2018 release, Ellard has been “hauled back in front of the parole board multiple times” for domestic violence and positive drug tests. She was arrested in 2021 due to a “deterioration in behaviour.”
She returned to a community residential facility in 2023 but continued to have issues,with staff describing her behaviour as “antagonizing,threatening and insulting.”
Most Recent Apprehension:
Ellard was apprehended at the facility in january after a positive drug test.
She refused to leave her room,made “vague suicidal comments,” and exhibited aggressive behavior (“screaming and kicking”).
Personal Struggles:
Ellard is a mother of two young children and has “struggled emotionally” due to her child’s behavioral issues, being a single parent, and managing legal custody issues.
Impact of the Miniseries:
Ellard expressed safety concerns following the release of the television miniseries.
Previously, she had shown remorse and victim empathy after discussing the upcoming series, stating it was “disrespectful to the victim and her family” and that the crime was so “horrendous” it would “re-victimize the victim’s family.”
Parole Board’s Decision:
despite working as a cleaner and demonstrating “positive behaviour” since returning to jail, the parole board concluded that the risk of releasing her was “too grate.”
* The board found that she “continue[s] to engage in behaviours and thinking that contributed to your suspension.”
In essence, the article details why Kelly Ellard’s parole was revoked again, highlighting her ongoing behavioral issues, drug use, and the parole board’s assessment that she still poses an “undue risk to society.” The miniseries has also brought her case back into the public eye, and she has reacted to it.
