Serial killer Paul Bernardo makes third attempt at release before Canada parole board

Paul Bernardo, serving a life sentence for the murders of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, faced a parole hearing on Tuesday. The Parole Board of Canada is reviewing his case again, despite previous denials of parole in 2018 and 2021, as per CBC News.

The hearing, held this morning, followed a controversy over the victims' families' participation. Initially denied the right to deliver in-person statements, the families' lawyer, Tim Danson, protested. The board quickly reversed its decision, but the short notice affected attendance.

Debbie Mahaffy, Leslie's mother, attended in person on behalf of both families. Meanwhile, Donna French, Kristen's mother, gave her victim impact statement virtually. Danson explained, "Unfortunately, the short notice and last-minute change in position by PBC prevents Donna French from travelling to the hearing. She will present her victim impact statement virtually."

Bernardo, designated a dangerous offender, also killed his sister-in-law, Tammy Homolka. His ex-wife, Karla Homolka, served 12 years for manslaughter in the French and Mahaffy murders.

Bernardo's transfer last year from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility in Quebec caused public outcry. Danson advocates for legal changes to spare victims from repeated parole hearings. He maintains the families have the right to confront Bernardo in person until such changes are made.