Kelly Ellard leaves the Vancouver courthouse in this March 12, 2002 file photo.Ian Lindsay/The Globe and Mail
Kelly Ellard, who was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Reena Virk and found to have held the 14-year-old's head underwater following a vicious group assault near a Victoria-area bridge, has been granted day parole.
The Parole Board of Canada granted Ms. Ellard day parole for six months during a hearing Thursday, despite the board's concern she continues to minimize aspects of her offence. The board placed half a dozen conditions on Ms. Ellard, including that she complete a residential substance-abuse treatment program before she can proceed to a halfway house.
Reena's father said he hopes Ms. Ellard will abide by the conditions, for the good of herself, her young child and society.
Reena was killed in November, 1997 – a memorial marking the 20th anniversary of her death was held two weeks ago. Reena had been lured to a secluded spot under the bridge and beaten by a pack of teens, most of them girls. She managed to walk away, but Ms. Ellard and her co-accused, Warren Glowatski, followed behind. An autopsy showed Reena was covered in bruises and had a cigarette burn on her forehead.
Ms. Ellard's murder conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2009, capping a legal odyssey that spanned three trials and more than a decade. The killing shocked the country and shone a spotlight on the issue of teen violence.
Ms. Ellard, who was 15 at the time of the offence but tried as an adult, has served about 15 years behind bars since her initial arrest, having spent some periods out on bail.
On Thursday, Ms. Ellard again admitted responsibility for Reena's death – though as before it was not to the degree for which she was convicted.
Ms. Ellard told the two-person parole board panel she rolled a badly beaten Reena into the water and left her there because she wanted to "get rid of her."
When a board member noted Ms. Ellard was found at trial to have held Reena's head underwater, Ms. Ellard was adamant that did not happen.
Ms. Ellard did apologize for Reena's death and said there was nothing Reena did or could have done to warrant such treatment.
Under the conditions placed by the board, Ms. Ellard is not to consume, purchase or possess alcohol or drugs, unless it's prescribed medication. She also must not associate with any person involved in criminal activity and/or substance abuse, and is not to contact Reena's family. Ms. Ellard must also participate in one-on-one psychological counselling.
Manjit Virk, Reena's father, said the parole board seems to be testing Ms. Ellard to see how she does.
"My hope is she complies with [the conditions] and tries to come clean so she can get larger freedom later on. And for the sake of her child, she should behave now," he said in an interview.
Mr. Virk remembered Reena as a kind, affectionate girl who just wanted to fit in and adored her grandparents.
The board heard Ms. Ellard has not abused drugs since June, 2015, though Ms. Ellard said she would like substance-abuse treatment and the issue drew the board's concern.
Ms. Ellard was granted escorted temporary absences in February and has used them about 40 times without incident.
Colleen Zuk, one of the board members, said Ms. Ellard committed a heinous crime, was largely responsible for Reena's death, and has not been truthful about the case over the years. But Ms. Zuk said the board concluded Ms. Ellard's risks can be managed.
Ms. Zuk said Ms. Ellard's relationship with the father of her child is a concern. Ms. Ellard became pregnant last year. Her partner has also been incarcerated.
Ms. Ellard said her son is her priority – not her relationship with his father. She said she would like to co-parent but will do what's best for her child and herself.
Mr. Glowatski, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was convicted of second-degree murder in 1999 and released on full parole in 2010. He participated in a restorative justice program with Reena's parents and apologized for her death.
Six other teens – all girls – were convicted of assaulting Reena and given jail sentences ranging from two months to one year.