Man who killed ex-wife released from prison

Kevin Kenneth McMurrer had parole suspended after breaching condition of his release

A P.E.I. man who killed his ex-wife at her workplace in 1989 has been allowed to continue his parole after it was suspended last year.

Kevin Kenneth McMurrer, who is in his late 50s, was sentenced in 1990 to life in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for shooting his ex-wife.

In a recent decision, the Parole Board of Canada wrote that it was of the opinion McMurrer wouldn’t present an undue risk to society if released on full parole.

That decision came after McMurrer’s previous release on parole was suspended in October 2019 because he breached a condition that he not use drugs while out of custody.

The most recent suspension of McMurrer’s parole wasn’t the first time he was sent back into custody after his release.

In 2001, he was granted full parole, but it was revoked after getting several convictions during his release.

McMurrer was released on day parole again in 2007, but it was revoked because of what the board’s report said were issues related to substance abuse, emotional stability and lack of transparency.

The board denied his release in 2009 but granted him full parole in 2016.

In its most recent report, the parole board said McMurrer initially denied using drugs, but he tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine metabolite and methadone, which led to his parole being suspended.

The board said the Correctional Service of Canada recommended McMurrer’s full parole be revoked and doesn’t support his release back into the community.

Despite recent issues, the board said it was of the opinion that McMurrer showed he has the ability and motivation to meet supervision requirements and that he can do it again.

The board’s report said that during his release, McMurrer reconnected with family members, received support in his community and maintained a positive relationship with an intimate partner.

It also included details of assessments that were on McMurrer’s file, including a psychological assessment that found his risk of reoffending was in the moderate range.

A spousal assault risk assessment determined McMurrer’s imminent risk of violence towards an intimate partner was high.

The board’s report said McMurrer’s levels of accountability and motivation were rated as moderate while his reintegration potential was rated as low.

With his release, McMurrer will be subject to several conditions, including that he must live in an approved community-based residential facility or community correctional.

He must also follow any treatment plan his parole supervisor arranges dealing with mental health and past trauma.