IN PRISON FOR MANSLAUGHTER
Samson sentenced in 2015 for role in death of fisherman
Isle Madame man granted day parole
A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the notorious death of a fellow Isle Madame man has been granted day parole by the National Parole Board.
Dwayne Matthew Samson had been sentenced in 2015 to almost 10 years in prison for his role in the death of Philip Boudreau two years earlier.
The written decision notes that the board had to consider were whether Samson would present an undue risk to society before the expiration of his sentence and whether his release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating his reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen. It also describes Samson as having been “a model inmate and excellent worker.”
The board granted Samson, now in his late 40s, day parole for six months. In his application, Samson indicated he intends to reside at a halfway house and return to work on his fishing boat.
“You reviewed for the Board what happened the day the current offence was committed and acknowledged it was not right for you to take the law into your own hands and ‘it should never have happened,’” the decision states.
According to the Correctional Service of Canada website, day parole provides offenders with the opportunity to participate in ongoing community-based activities and prepare for full parole and statutory release. Offenders who are serving sentences of two years or more are eligible to apply for day parole six months prior to full parole eligibility or after six months, whichever is greater.
An agreed statement of facts presented at his sentencing noted that on the morning of June 1, 2013, the crew of the lobster boat the Twin Maggies left for a day of fishing on Petit-de-Grat harbour with captain Samson and deckhands James and Craig Landry aboard. They saw Boudreau’s 14-foot speedboat near Mackerel Cove. James Landry and Samson had ongoing suspicions that Boudreau had been tampering with the crew’s traps.
The Crown noted that Samson directed Craig Landry to load the gun and he asked James Landry if he was going to shoot at Boudreau.
In all, four shots were fired at Boudreau’s boat, with one striking him in the leg. Boudreau had tried to get away but his propeller became entangled in lobster lines.
The Twin Maggies, driven by Samson, rammed Boudreau’s much smaller boat three times. Boudreau fell into the water and held onto a floating gas can. Several attempts were made to gaff Boudreau and pull him out to sea. Eventually, the fishing boat stopped, Boudreau was floating in the water alongside it, not moving, with white foam coming from his mouth. The gaff was released and Boudreau rolled over, face down in the water.
The presiding judge had found that Samson, 45, played a significant role in the events on the day that Boudreau died.
Samson, who had no prior criminal record, was originally charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
The parole board indicated it considered the victim impact statement read into the record at the sentencing hearing and the fact that Boudreau’s body was never recovered “made it even more difficult to bring closure for this tragic loss.”
Samson is to have no direct or indirect contact with any member of the victim’s family.
The board received letters of support written on Samson’s behalf.
“The offence for which you were convicted and incarcerated occurred in a small, closely knit, community and caused stress and anxiety for several families, particularly the family of the victim,” the decision states. “The victim’s family ought not to be revictimized or be fearful of future contact with you. By having contact with the family of your victim you could place yourself in a negatively charged situation that you are unable to effectively cope with and such an experience would increase your risk to reoffend.”
Samson’s risk for violent recidivism was deemed to be in the low range and he has adhered to the rules of the institution and had numerous escorted temporary absences without any issues. His motivation level and reintegration potential were assessed as high.
Samson’s father-in-law, James Joseph Landry, was convicted by a jury of manslaughter in the case and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Craig Landry was sentenced to two years probation and time served for being an accessory after the fact in the death.