Killer of Banff taxi driver in 1990 back on day parole
Board cites previous periods of release in decision to allow greater freedom
The man who killed Banff cab driver Lucie Turmel in 1990 has again been granted day parole after he was sent back to prison in 2022.
The Parole Board of Canada granted Ryan Jason Love day parole for six months, citing his successful completion of counselling and lengthy periods of release between 2011 and 2022.
“While your index offence is especially concerning, you have a limited criminal history, you have demonstrated your manageability in the community over protracted periods of time, and you have successfully completed recommended programming with good reports of progress,” said the parole board in its April decision, noting Love as a “low–moderate risk” for violent reoffending.
“Consequently, the board concludes you will not present an undue risk to society on a day parole, and your release will facilitate your reintegration as a law-abiding citizen.”
Love, now 52 years old, was 18 when he stabbed 23-year-old Turmel 17 times, killing her for her night's earnings on May 17, 1990. He made off with less than $130.
He was convicted of second-degree murder in June 1994, receiving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 20 years. Still, he was granted day parole in 2011 and full parole in 2012.
Love remained on parole for more than a decade despite a mischief conviction in 2021, after he smashed windows on his ex-girlfriend's vehicle with a baseball bat. He served 30 days in jail, and the parole board gave him a reprimand but did not revoke his parole.
His parole was suspended after an August 2022 incident when he was pulled over at night with a drunk woman in his vehicle in an area of an unnamed town known for crime, substance abuse and the sex trade.
The parole board said Love lied when he was questioned by police and his parole supervisor about the incident, and it was discovered he'd been associating with a “negative peer.” The board revoked his parole in November 2022 as a result of his “activities and dishonesty.”
The board noted that Love maintained a “low profile” upon his return to a minimum-security prison in 2022 and has not incurred any institutional charges or incidents.
His day parole is subject to several conditions, forbidding him from using or buying drugs and alcohol, as well as prohibiting him having any contact with Turmel's family and his ex-girlfriend. He will also undergo mandated counselling and must report relationships of any nature with a woman to his parole supervisor.
Love's request to be placed back on full parole was denied, with the board saying it doesn't “offer the same level of structure and supervision” as day parole.
“The board notes you have a history of being less than forthcoming with your parole supervisor ... so you will benefit from the external controls and additional observation that comes along with being on day parole, and residence in a CRF (community residential facility),” reads the decision.