The Red Deer mother of one of the four Alberta RCMP officers killed near Mayerthorpe seven years ago is fed up with the parole process that let one of the men convicted in the tragedy go on unescorted trips from jail.
“I told the parole board this is my last statement,” said Doreen Jewell-Duffy, mother of Const. Anthony Gordon who was killed along with three other RCMP members.
“I’m not doing anything more in regard to Shawn Hennessey as nothing is going to change the outcome.”
Hennessey, 34, was convicted along with his brother-in-law Dennis Cheeseman in the shooting death of four Mounties at James Roszko’s farm in March 2005.
Hennessey and Cheeseman gave Roszko a rifle and a ride to the farm where Roszko ambushed and killed the four Mounties.
Hennessey will be allowed out for up to 72 hours at a time over the next six months, following a ruling from a National Parole Board hearing at Bowden Institution on Wednesday.
Jewell-Duffy said she knew in the back of her mind that Hennessey would get out on unescorted trips.
“I feel it isn’t right because they were sentenced to 12 years,” she said.
“Do your 12 years, do your time.”
Hennessey was originally sentenced to 15 years in jail, but that was reduced because of a guilty plea and the time he spent in pre-trial custody.
Gordon, Red Deer native Const. Brock Myrol, constables Leo Johnston and Peter Schiemann had been staking out a marijuana grow-op and auto chop shop that was discovered on Roszko’s property. Roszko killed himself after being wounded by another police officer arriving on scene.
National Parole Board spokesperson Gary Sears said Hennessey will have some restrictions including not to consume alcohol, not to consume, purchase or possess drugs and to not associate with those involved in criminal activity.
Cheeseman was sentenced to 12 years, but was granted statutory release late last year. Hennessey is eligible for statutory release on Dec. 29, 2015.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com