The man who was found not criminally responsible in the stabbing deaths of five people at a house party in Brentwood more than nine years ago is seeking more freedoms.
Matthew de Grood has applied to the Alberta Court of Appeal for an absolute discharge.
https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-m...arge-1.6431344
According to the Government of Canada, that means the court would find him discharged of the offences with no conviction registered.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmon...ased-1.6869253
Justice Kevin Feehan said de Grood may be low-risk, but the consequences of even one relapse could be significant.
Crown prosecutor Matthew Griener said the board considered a conditional discharge but dismissed it, citing a relapse in schizophrenia symptoms in 2021.
Reading from an expert's report, Feehan said: "A low risk to offend doesn't mean the reoffence would not be severe."
Josh Hunter's father, Barclay, opposed a potential full release.
"The idea that he wouldn't be monitored for the rest of his life seems to defy logic, it doesn't make any sense," said the father.
"We do this every year, at least once. Now, this is the second appeal," she said.
Barclay Hunter said although there are attempts to reintegrate de Grood into society, he hopes the man is not left on his own with an absolute discharge.
"Regardless of what they say, he killed five people. If that doesn't stand on its own as a risk factor, then I don't know what does."
I have to admit, I don't like the idea of him getting an absolute discharge.
If I understand correctly, that would mean he would have no conviction and no conditions to follow, and the discharge disappears from his criminal record after 1 year.
Is it safe for a sick person who killed 5 people and needs to be constantly medicated to be freed with no conditions?
I'm not happy with the idea and hope the effort doesn't succeed.