Canadian father who killed his daughter with CP loses bid to go home

From The Canadian Press:

ABBOTSFORD, BC — The Saskatchewan farmer who killed his severely disabled daughter 17 years ago has again lost his bid for an extended leave from his British Columbia halfway house.

The National Parole Board said Feb. 17 that it stands by an decision last November to deny Robert Latimer's (pictured) request to live on his own during the week and only stay at the halfway house on weekends.

“You have, on occasion, demonstrated that you may be taking your parole for granted as you did leave your supervision area without permission,” the board said in its written ruling rejecting the extended leave.

That was likely a reference to last October when Latimer returned to his apartment after an extended leave instead of the halfway house.

A warrant was issued and Latimer was taken into custody, although the warrant was later cancelled when he explained that he had made a mistake.

The board also said Wednesday that it has granted Latimer's request for continued day parole and additional leave to visit his family in Saskatchewan.

“You are still considered a very low risk to re-offend,” the ruling said. “As such, the board concludes that day parole remains the least restrictive option consistent with public safety.”

Latimer, 56, had also requested the board remove travel restrictions that specify he remain in Canada within the boundaries fixed by his parole officer.

But the board ruled the issue is beyond its purview and will not be addressed.

Latimer is serving a life sentence for second-degree murder in the 1993 death of his 12-year-old daughter Tracy, who he killed with carbon monoxide.

He will be eligible for full parole in December.