This story was originally posted for CHAT TV on February 17, 2015 (link to story)
The girl convicted of killing three members of the Richardson family in Medicine Hat in 2006 will not have her curfew lifted entirely, a judge ruled Tuesday morning.
The girl, who can only be identified as JR under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, had her curfew lifted for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at her last review in September 2014.
Justice Scott Brooker ruled it was appropriate to maintain curfew on the other days of the week, and the application will be reviewed again in late August.
JR, who is now 21-years old, is scheduled to move from her current living arrangement — where a supervisor is present in the building 24 hours-a-day — to an independent living situation without supervision in April or May.
Justice Brooker said reports on JR’s rehabilitation “indicate she’s doing remarkably well,” and “glowing is the best way to describe it.”
He said there are “no concerns with behavior” or JR’s compliance with the curfew and rehabilitation program.
However, the judge said they should continue with the “baby step principles” that have been followed since JR was convicted at age 13 in 2007.
JR is now about 15 months away from being done her sentence, with only two more reviews scheduled.
“Best case scenario is she keeps doing what she’s doing,” defence counsel Katherine Beyak said. “According to the treatment team, she’s at the lowest risk level possible for committing an offense.
“She’s well on her way to becoming a well-adjusted member of society.”
“She’s definitely followed all the rules,” added Ramona Robins, crown prosecutor. “She’s participated in therapy, she’s done everything that’s been asked of her, but when there’s no further sentence and no further consequence I’m not sure what will happen.”
JR said very little during the review, via CCTV from Calgary. She stood with her hands crossed in front of her with two members of her treatment team at her sides.
Justice Brooker spoke to her directly saying “you’re doing very well,” and JR responded with a quiet “thank you.” Her only full response was when Justice Brooker asked if she had any questions and she said “I do not, thank you my lord.”
JR’s next review is scheduled for the end of August, and Justice Brooker suggested another one in April 2016, a month before her sentence is to be completed.