N.S. mother who strangled daughter could soon apply for unescorted prison leave

The Nova Scotia woman serving a life sentence for strangling her own daughter to death could soon be applying for unescorted temporary absences from prison. In a recent decision granting Penny Patricia Boudreau escorted temporary absences, the Parole Board of Canada notes “it would appear” that Correctional Service Canada “is looking towards June 2025 as a possible hearing date for a more liberal release, such as (unescorted temporary absences). Naturally, any movement in that regard will invite media scrutiny and a community response. That scrutiny is inevitable.”

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Boudreau murdered her 12-year-old daughter Karissa on Jan. 27, 2008, later claiming it was to save her relationship with her boyfriend. The following year, Boudreau pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. A judge sentenced her to life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years. “Holding a position of trust, you strangled the young victim and disposed of the body in the snow (beside the LaHave River) with hopes it would not be discovered,” said her most recent parole decision, released Wednesday. “Moreover, you concocted a story that she might have been abducted and made public pleas for her return. An exhaustive police investigation involving undercover agents led to your arrest. It was your position that your decisions were taken to save your intimate relationship with your partner.” In making its recent decision, dated March 28, the parole board considered “numerous victim impact statements” and “a host of letters sent directly to the board. Collectively, they speak to a deep sense of loss and grief, be it family members, friends and/or the community at large. That grief and opposition to your release continues to this day.” Boudreau, now 51, has “completed numerous” escorted temporary absences since they were first approved for her in 2018. “Completion of some was interrupted due to pandemic restrictions as well as the heightened level of media interest and push back from certain communities,” said her parole decision. “Those most recently approved from 2024 and are soon to expire.” In this most recent decision, the parole board handed Boudreau 18 more escorted temporary absences “to participate in church services and/or church related activities, including but not limited to special community events, bible study, meetings with the pastor and/or congregation, for up to six hours each including travel time.” It also granted her four escorted absences of up to seven hours each to see family. “One of your parents has ceased contact with you due to the negative media attention surrounding your current offence,” said the decision. A psychological risk assessment completed last fall noted her “overall risk within the community on unescorted temporary absences and/or day parole was generally low while (Boudreau’s) global risk for future recidivism, whether violent or general, was estimated in the very low range.” Boudreau, a minimum-security offender, visited a halfway house last December for a tour. “Over the past several years, ongoing (escorted temporary absences) have facilitated interaction with members of the public through a church environment and to visit the home of a close personal support,” said her parole decision. “That support continues today. There have been no security concerns.” Boudreau doesn’t pose an “undue risk to society,” said the parole decision. “Despite recent threats made to your personal safety, which police investigated, (Correctional Service Canada) believes your (escorted temporary absences) can be effectively managed, and any media attention and/or safety risks will be closely monitored prior to the release on these (escorted temporary absences) and appropriate and necessary measures will be taken if deemed necessary.” The parole board decision, which came out of Atlantic Canada, doesn’t indicate where Boudreau is serving her sentence. “Police in the church’s community remain supportive while police in the community of your other proposed (escorted temporary absences) continue to strongly oppose any type of release,” said the decision. “It is their opinion that you were issued a life sentence with no parole before 20 years served which needs to be followed.”