Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has once again faced the parole board, and the decision made on November 26, 2024, was crystal clear: he will remain behind bars. This marked the third denial of parole for Bernardo, who has spent decades being one of Canada's most reviled criminals, embroiled in the deaths of teenage girls Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
The Parole Board of Canada deliberated briefly—around 30 minutes—after hearing emotional testimonies filled with anguish and pain from the victims' families. Their voices reflected the enduring trauma and suffering since the horrific events of the early 1990s, which saw both girls kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered by Bernardo and his then-wife, Karla Homolka.
The latest hearing took place at the La Macaza Institution, where Bernardo, now 60, was seeking either day parole for supervised residence at a halfway house or at least escorted absences for participation in rehabilitation programs. Both requests were denied, with the board officials citing significant concerns about his potential for sexual recidivism, as well as serious personality disorders and his tendency to overestimate his progress within the prison system.
During the hearing, victim impact statements conveyed raw emotion from the families affected by Bernardo’s monstrous actions. Leslie Mahaffy’s mother, Debbie Mahaffy, delivered her statement emotionally, reminding the board of the "sadistic, manipulative and psychopathic nature" of Bernardo. She shared how his presence remains the biggest hindrance to her family’s healing, stating, "The biggest destruction of the peace and joy and hope in my life has been and remains Bernardo."
Accompanying the emotional testimonies, Leslie's brother, Ryan Mahaffy, now 40 years old, also shared the impact of his sister’s murder on his life and family, stressing the enduring agony of their loss. He recalled losing not just his sister but his parents as grief enveloped them. Ryan elaborated on the trauma faced by the family, expressing, "Bernardo’s actions haunt the simplest details of my life, including Father's Day, the day he murdered her."
Physical representations of the grief were also made by Kristen French’s mother, Donna French, who addressed the board remotely. Her heartfelt remarks encompassed years of suffering and the unbearable weight of missing her daughter, marking "11,680 days" without her. Donna clear expressed the perpetual fear of allowing another family to share her tragedy, prompting her to declare, "there will be no peace of mind for me or my family" as long as there’s possibility for Bernardo’s return to society.
Bernardo has been classified as a dangerous offender, actively serving his indeterminate life sentence for the heinous crimes he committed. Following the board's decision, Tanya Nouwens, one of the panel members, reaffirmed their substantial reliance on clinical assessments related to his serious criminal behavior, emphasizing the need for more extensive discussions between him and his parole officer to examine his actions and the underlying motivations.
Throughout the parole hearing, Bernardo appeared seemingly reflective but was met with emotional responses from both board members and family members alike. He stated his belief of being ready to reintegrate the community, claiming he wanted to "get more help" and pursue employment, yet he faced sharp rebuke during questioning by the board, which pointed out the inconsistency of his views. Nouwens challenged his narrative, reminding him of the repeated trauma he has inflicted upon his victims.
Tim Danson, the families’ long-time legal representative, was integral to advocating for his clients. He emphasized the recurrent trauma from these parole hearings, expressing deep concerns over Bernardo's potential for release. Initially, there were measures to bar victims’ families from being present at the hearing, but public outsentiment led to changes allowing them to speak and be present, showcasing just how pressing and politicized the issue has become.
Bernardo’s past, including his conviction for the manslaughter of his ex-wife Karla Homolka's sister, adds layers of complicity to his notoriety. Homolka herself served 12 years for her role, often described as having struck "a deal with the devil," which continues to haunt public perception of the case.
The path forward for Bernardo remains uncertain, and his repeated attempts for parole have been met with resolute denials, reflecting society's enduring scrutiny and the unspeakable toll taken on the victims’ families. The bleak reality is they continue to advocate for justice and protection against the shadows of their loved ones’ divided lives, encapsulating the societal obligation to uphold safety and justice.
The ruling through the hearing echoes the painful journeys of those who continue to seek closure and healing. Victim advocacy continues to play a significant role as justice systems wrestle with the balance of rehabilitation and community safety. The case remains a chilling reminder to many about the grave impacts of violence and the complex stories woven through countless lives affected by crime.
While Bernardo may have made "some strides," the weight of his past atrocities limits his chances for any sort of release. The board’s decision stands as both affirmation of public safety and acknowledgement of the victim’s stories, ensuring the lives lost and devastated are not forgotten. For now, Bernardo will continue his life sentence, locked away, as the families of his victims are left grappling with the scars of the past.
