Infamous Canadian killer Paul Bernardo is set to appear in front of the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday as part of his latest bid for release.
Bernardo, one of Canada’s most notorious killers and sex offenders, is currently serving a life sentence for the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder of 15-year-old Kristen French and 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in Ontario between 1990 and 1992.
He was also convicted of manslaughter following the death of Tammy Homolka in December 1990. She was the sister of his former wife, Karla Homolka, who went on to serve 12 years in prison for her involvement in Bernardo’s crimes.
Together, the couple were dubbed the “Ken and Barbie killers.”
Tuesday’s hearing is expected to take place in Quebec at the medium-security prison where Bernardo is currently being held, Global News reports.
He was transferred to the La Macaza Institution in 2023, a move that caused so much controversy the commissioner of Corrections Canada was forced to explain the decision publicly to a House of Commons public safety committee.
This will be the third time Bernardo will come up against Canada’s parole board after being denied full and day parole back in 2018 and 2021.
Tim Danson, the lawyer representing the families of French and Mahaffy, has spoken out about the challenges they are facing as they prepare for the hearing.
Initially, the parole board ruled against allowing the families to deliver their victim impact statements in person—a decision that was later reversed. However, the turnaround came so late that most family members couldn’t make the necessary travel arrangements.
Only Leslie Mahaffy’s mother will be present at the hearing, with other family members opting to share their statements virtually.
More information about Paul Bernardo, Karla Homolka and the grisly crimes that led them to be dubbed the “Ken and Barbie killers” can be found here.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
