A convicted killer from Chatham who murdered three people 25 years ago will continue to be monitored for at least six more months while he's out of prison on parole.
The Parole Board of Canada released a decision on November 3, 2016 saying 43-year-old Jason Cofell, who killed Jasen Pangburn and Virginia and Alfred Critchley in 1991, will be able to continue his day parole for another six months.
He has also been granted weekend priveleges of leave and travel passes to certain approved homes (which were not included in the report).
Cofell was first released from prison in May 2016 following a video-conference hearing with the parole board. One of the conditions of his release was that he would stay at a halfway-house. He's also required to follow psychological counselling and cannot contact any member of the victims' family or associate with members of the Canadian Armed Forces or those involved in criminal activity.
The board's decision for additional parole also takes into account that Cofell has secured employment at a manufacturing facility while he is working towards establishing his own jewelry business.
The report from the parole board goes on to say that no one who is currently supervising Cofell has noted any concerns about him -- that includes police and his psychologist. His employer is also reportedly prepared to re-hire him at the end of his temporary contract.
The only cautionary note that the board's report includes is that Cofell appears to be "functioning at a much higher level than might be anticipated for one incarcerated his entire adult life." As a result of Cofell's better-than-average adjustment, his supervisors have been "encouraged to observe [Cofell] for any signs of this being a facade which may be masking latent difficulties or risk factors."
However, the report also notes that this scepticism may be attributed to Cofell's psychologist being overly cautious.
The board's report concludes by saying that the additional six months of day parole is "part of a gradual and structured return to the community," adding that Cofell will continue to be monitored until it is determined that he safely no longer requires assistance.
