Family relieved double killer denied parole after 25 years
Darren Huenemann, who ordered the slayings of his mother and grandmother, sobbed at Tuesday’s hearing — much the way he acted at his trial, says a family member. ‘Primarily, he said it was for money. And he felt his mother was overbearing as a parent. It'
The man who ordered the killing of his mother and grandmother in 1990, when he was a Saanich high school student, will remain behind bars.
Darren Huenemann, who is now using his biological father’s surname, Gowan, is serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of his mother, Sharon Huenemann, and her mother, Doris Leatherbarrow, in Tsawwassen.
His application for an escorted temporary absence from his Quebec correctional facility was denied Tuesday, Leatherbarrow’s brother-in-law Ed Beketa said.
The Parole Board of Canada did not confirm any details about Huenemann’s application or why it was denied.
Beketa participated in the hearing via teleconference from Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford.
“The decision was good for the family, because I don’t think we want to give Darren any privilege of a parole. There is so much hurt,” Beketa said.
Huenemann was convicted in 1992 for promising part of a $4-million inheritance to his Mount Douglas Secondary classmates Derik Lord and David Muir if they committed the murders.
All three teens were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Muir, the only one of the three to admit his role in the killings, has been on full parole since 2003.
Huenemann’s hearing began in May but was adjourned for a psychiatric assessment, Beketa said.
Beketa said it was difficult to see Huenemann again, but that he and other family members want to make sure their loved ones aren’t forgotten and that he remains behind bars.
During Tuesday’s hearing, a parole board member asked Huenemann why he had his mother and grandmother killed.
“He was sobbing, similar to the way he acted at his trial. And primarily, he said it was for money. And he felt his mother was overbearing as a parent. It’s something you can’t even comprehend,” Beketa said.
He said it was strange to see Huenemann after more than 25 years. “He looks like a 45-yearold boy,” Beketa said.
Beketa has also participated in Lord’s parole hearings and is preparing for the next one, Sept. 13, he said.
“It opens the wounds again. I’ve been going to Derik Lord’s parole hearing every two years from 2002,” he said.
Lord still maintains his innocence.
Knowing Huenemann’s parole application was denied gives the family temporary peace, Beketa said.
“For the time being it does, because like I say, the family is adamant that they don’t want to see any type of parole given to Darren. There’s lots of hurt and I guess a lot of hatred, too. What they did, a crime that was, for the average person, it’s inconceivable.”
Parole Board communications officer Leyla Mavadat said a recent change in legislation prevents the board from providing information about decisions about escorted temporary absences when an inmate is eligible for day parole.