A Calgary man convicted of second-degree murder is up for parole in less than a decade, sparking controversy and concern among the community.
In 2013, 27-year-old John Smith was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his former girlfriend, 25-year-old Sarah Johnson. The court heard that Smith had strangled Johnson to death during an argument in their shared apartment.
Smith was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 10 years. However, due to a recent change in the law, he is now eligible to apply for parole after serving just seven years of his sentence.
This has caused outrage among Johnson’s family and friends, who feel that seven years is not enough time for Smith to serve for taking a life. They argue that he should serve the full 10 years before being considered for parole.
The Parole Board of Canada will now review Smith’s case and determine if he is eligible for release. They will consider factors such as his behavior in prison, any rehabilitation programs he has completed, and his potential risk to the community if released.
In a statement, Johnson’s family expressed their disappointment and fear at the possibility of Smith being granted parole. They believe that he has not shown enough remorse for his actions and should not be released back into society.
On the other hand, Smith’s lawyer argues that his client has taken responsibility for his actions and has been working towards rehabilitation while in prison. He also points out that the change in the law was made to give offenders a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The decision on whether or not to grant Smith parole will be made in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the community waits with bated breath, hoping that justice will be served for Sarah Johnson and her loved ones.
