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Olsen parole is appalling

The recent granting of parole to Chad Olsen for killing my friends Brad and Krista Howe is appalling!

The recent granting of parole to Chad Olsen for killing my friends Brad and Krista Howe is appalling!

Who does our justice system protect?

Part of my taxes goes towards protection.

I sat through multiple court hearings, which ultimately resulted in more court hearings. No resolution.

Then our justice system handed a mere jail term of 27 months for killing two contributing, taxpaying members of our society.

Luckily, through more court hearings, the Alberta Court of Appeal stepped in, adding 15 months.

That equals a grand total of three-and-a-half-year sentence for taking two lives and orphaning five children.

Not justified in my opinion but my hopes were that this would give Olsen a chance to grow up and truly analyze the consequences of his actions.

Those five children are spending the rest of their lives without loving parents. The rest of their lives! An insurmountable price to pay for Chad’s poor choice.

This two-member parole board outlined Olsen’s remorse, positive changes and family support as reasons for his release. I am wondering where was the family support when their son committed multiple traffic violations and was driving under suspension? Where was the family support that fatal night when their son was three times over the legal blood alcohol level?

Where is their family support now, there has been no contact with the family of the kids he orphaned?

The two-member panel’s decision could not have come at a worse time. Drinking and driving is prevalent over this celebratory time of year.

Our justice system just said that for killing two people, you get seven months in minimum security prison.

Not to mention, it’s Christmas. Another special holiday this family once celebrated with laughter and happy moments with mom and dad.

Who does our justice system protect?

Natalie Surridge

Red Deer