Background on the Case

The families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, two victims of notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo, are facing an emotional barrier as they are not permitted to attend his upcoming parole hearing in person.

Legal Response

This decision has ignited a wave of indignation, spearheaded by their lawyer, Tim Danson.

In a strongly-worded open letter, Danson revealed that the Parole Board of Canada conveyed to the families that their presence at the hearing would pose safety and security concerns.

"This is not only unacceptable but also remarkably insensitive to the Mahaffy and French families," he stated, emphasizing that the families have a statutory right to deliver their Victim Impact Statements in person.

Families' Desire to Attend

Speaking on Newstalk 1010, Danson underscored the profound desire of the families to be physically present.

“They want to make their daughters' memories felt as strongly as possible. The nature of their statements is deeply personal – it's about the enduring impact of these horrific crimes," he articulated, highlighting the necessity of conveying their feelings directly.

Bernardo's Background

Paul Bernardo—infamous for the brutal murders of the two teenagers in the early 1990s in Ontario—is currently serving a life sentence in a medium-security prison located approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Montreal.

The shocking crimes involved the abduction and murder of 15-year-old Kristen and 14-year-old Leslie, devastating their families and the local community.

Frustration with the Parole Board

Danson expressed confusion and frustration over the lack of detailed justification provided by the parole board.

"They can’t be suggesting that the Frenches and Mahaffys are a security concern," he remarked, pointing out that the families attended Bernardo's first parole hearing without incident.

He raised concerns about the implications of the parole board's decision, questioning Bernardo's classification as a medium security prisoner if he is deemed a security threat.

Calls for Action

Further complicating the situation, Danson revealed that the families were assured they would still be able to attend his parole hearings when Bernardo was transferred to Quebec.

He characterized the current decision as a “mystery” and “very, very unfair,” and is pushing for a reversal.

“We are demanding that this decision be overturned and that the scheduled hearing next Tuesday be postponed, even if just for a few weeks, to allow the families to arrange their travel,” he concluded.

Public Outrage

As the victims' families grapple with this latest setback, the public’s outrage continues to mount, calling into question the treatment of victims and their families within the legal system.

The case remains a stark reminder of the lasting impact of violent crime on families and communities.