Paul Bernado, the killer behind some of the most disturbing murders in modern Canadian history, will be back before the parole board later this month.
Bernardo is serving a life sentence for the violent kidnapping, sexual assault and murders of teenagers Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy in the early 1990s. He has been designated a dangerous offender — making it unlikely that he will ever be released from prison
He was also convicted of manslaughter for his role in the death of 15-year-old Tammy Homolka, the younger sister of his then-wife Karla Homolka. He also admitted to sexually assaulting other women.
His next parole hearing is scheduled for Nov. 26.
During one of his last appearances before the parole board, Bernardo was told his “understanding and insight remains limited”
“It was evident today that you continue to exhibit behaviours that are counter-productive to the development of insight,” Maureen Gauci, one of the parole hearing officers, said in 2021.
“You have not shown the risk of offending can be managed in the community.”
The families of the victims have argued Bernardo shouldn’t be able to apply for release so frequently because it forces them to relive his horrific crimes.
During the 2021 parole hearing, the French family described Bernardo as an “evil dark cloud” who continues to haunt their family.
Bernardo’s controversial transfer to a medium-security prison in Quebec last year sparked outrage and demands for changes to how dangerous offenders are treated.
Following a review, Correctional Service Canada concluded all proper procedures were followed, but acknowledged that the families of the victims should have been better informed.
