The Parole Board of Canada has denied unescorted temporary absences for a man who kidnapped and killed a five-year-old girl in southern Alberta. It’s the first request for freedom from Anthony Gallup, who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2001 death of Jessica Koopmans. The girl was taken from her Lethbridge home, and a week later her body was found under a pile of brush in the town of Fort Macleod. Gallup, a friend of Jessica’s mother, was arrested. Appearing by video from a minimum security prison in B.C., Gallup told the parole board that he took the girl to buy her candy but became aroused. He said he was worried about being exposed as a pedophile and killed her in a state of panic. The board heard that Gallup’s case management team said his request for prison absences was premature. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2026. Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press
